OUR MISSION

Your donations make a difference.

Since 2007, The Abbotsford Trust has cared for the house, chapel, gardens, estate and collections created by Sir Walter Scott and his descendants. We are an independent charity led by a group of voluntary Trustees, have a small staff team and are supported in every aspect of our work by a dedicated group of more than 150 volunteers.

We rely on your support to care for Abbotsford – for now and forever. Thank you

The Abbotsford Trust is Scottish Registered Charity No. SC037425

Donations to the Abbotsford Trust may be directed to a number of areas, including:

Heritage & Conservation

These funds are used to help protect the fabric of the Abbotsford buildings and conserve Sir Walter Scott’s unique collection. For example, every year during our winter season, when the house is closed to the public, the Abbotsford team undertake an extensive cleaning process to ensure that every one of Scott’s 9,000 books and 4,000 antiques and objects are safe from damage and dust-free.

Provide public access to the historic house, gardens, estate and collections created by Sir Walter Scott and his descendants

Abbotsford’s historic house, chapel and gardens are open to the public each day from 1st March to 30th November every year, and we are also able to accommodate visits by appointment for the rest of the year. In partnership with the Faculty of Advocates, Scott's rare and exceptionally important library is carefully conserved within the historic house, but it is also made available for public viewing, exhibitions, and for expert access.

Visitor facilities and opportunities for recreation

As well as the historic house, chapel and gardens, visitors are also welcome to our purpose-built Visitor Centre where there is a shop, café and free exhibition that are all open throughout the year. Abbotsford’s wider estate, including the woodland and riverside walks, is also available for access at all times.

Formal and informal learning, and outreach

We are fully committed to benefitting all our local communities and run a number of community outreach and engagement programmes for people of all ages and abilities. We are delighted to welcome hundreds of children and students from local schools and colleges who make educational visits each year as well as with community groups, disengaged young adults and those with complex needs.

Volunteering

Volunteers are incredibly important to Abbotsford and are involved in all aspects of our work, from front of house and gardening to working in the Visitor Centre and driving the minibus. There is a real community feel and sense of belonging among our volunteers, and this was reflected last year when Abbotsford became the first historic house museum in Scotland to gain the prestigious Volunteer Friendly Award.

Unless specified, all donations to the Abbotsford Trust are unrestricted, meaning that they will be directed to whichever project area the Trust feels takes priority at the time of receipt. If you would like your donation to be directed towards a specific project or area of need, please specify this when making your donation, or contact the Development Officer by telephone on 01896 752043 or by email at fundraising@scottsabbotsford.co.uk.