For the summer and autumn 2002 five day tours were arranged starting in May and continuing to October 2002. These trips are not normally open to non-members but friends of members may accompany them (if space is available) on payment of a supplement of £1 on the standard charge.

All day excursions leave North Hanover Street opposite Queen Street Station at the times stated. Stops are made for tea/coffee but some members prefer to bring their own snacks and refreshments.

We do not reserve specific seats on the coaches nor do we issue tickets. It is customary to leave the two seats immediately behind the driver for the use of the excursion leader. Members should bring their N.T.S. membership cards on all excursions and wear suitable footwear and clothing.
 

MELLERSTAIN HOUSE & MELROSE

Mellerstain House in Berwickshire is owned by the Earl of Haddington and is one of Scotland's great Georgian houses. it is a unique example of the work of the Adam family; William and his son Robert. The library is considered to be Robert Adam's finest creation

Lunch will be taken at Melrose when there will also be an opportunity to see Priorwood garden and Harmony Garden (both N.T.S.) and the Abbey.
 

LEIGHTON HALL, CARNFORTH, LANCASHIRE

Leighton Hall, the family home of Mr Richard Gillow Reynolds, is set in parkland against the backdrop of the Lakeland Fells. Mr Reynolds is a direct descendant of the founder o Gillow and Company. The house contains 18th century items of furniture by Gillow of Lancaster, fine pictures and various objet d'art. A varied collection of Birds of Prey is on display in the Bird Garden some of which are flown at 3.30-pm weather permitting. Lunch and tea will be available in the restaurant at Leighton Hall.
 

CALLENDAR HOUSE FALKIRK & ALLOA TOWER

We propose to visit Callendar House in the morning and after lunch (available in the tea shop in the former stables) will proceed to Alloa Tower. We will finally visit the N.T.S. Bannockburn Heritage Centre for tea before returning to Glasgow.

Callendar House is a country house which encapsulates 600 years of Scottish history and was visited by historical figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie. its present day role is as a museum and visitor attraction administered by Falkirk Council. There is a great deal to see from impressive public rooms and magnificent painted ceiling of the Cromwell Stair to permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Alloa Tower is one of Scotland's largest mediaeval keeps and is managed by the N.T.S. in partnership with Clackmannanshire Council. the interior has been furnished in 18th centruy style. There is a collection of portraits of the Erskine family.
 

SCONE PALACE & KELLIE CASTLE

We will travel directly to Scone Palace, on the outskirts of Perth. Tea/coffee and lunch will be available there. Scone Palace, the home of the Earl of Mansfield, was extensively rebuilt by the 3rd Earl around 1804. Scone now houses collections of French furniture, 16th century needlework and one of the country's finest porcelain collections.

Kellie castle, near Pittenweem in Fife, is owned by the National trust for Scotland. The property, in its present form, was completed about 1606 and was sympathetically restored by the Lorimer family around 1878. There is a tearoom and the castle. In 1998 Lorimer family artifacts were purchased by the trust with assistance for the Heritage Lottery Fund.
 

HOPETOUN HOUSE & THE HOUSE OF THE BINNS

Hopetoun House on the shores of the Firth of Forth has been described as "Scotland's Finest Stately Home" and is the work of Sir William Bruce and William Adam. After leaving Glasgow we will go directly to Hopetoun House travelling on to the House of the Binns after lunch. Morning coffee/tea and lunch will be available at Hopetoun. It should be noted that on the day of out visit an "Antiques Fair" is to be held in the Ballroom at Hopetoun House. There will be a separate charge for admission should any member wish to attend this event. Access will otherwise be available to those areas of the property normally open to the public.

The House of the Binns, near Linlithgow, is owned by the N.T.S. and is the historic home of the Dalyells. the house contains fine Italian-style plasterwork and an outstanding collection of family paintings.