Five properties owned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) are set to close to the public as part of cost-cutting measures announced by the organisation last week.

A further six loss-making visited properties will also be affected by the proposed changes in 2009-10, which could result in the closure, or partial closure, of those sites unless alternative funding sources are secured. The Hill of Tarvit Mansion House in Fife is to be closed and let to a tenant as part of the proposals, although the gardens and estate will continue to be maintained and open to the public, as is the case with Leith Hall House near Huntly, which will be converted for private residential use.

Arduaine Garden, Oban, and Inveresk Garden near Edinburgh will also close, as will the Mountain Visitor Centre at Ben Lawers in the Scottish Highlands. Other properties affected include the David Livingstone Centre in South Lanarkshire, which will be returned to trustees unless the full deficit of the site is funded externally. Barry Mill in Angus will require external funding or sponsorship to avoid closure, while Hugh Miller's Cottage in Cromarty is also seeking alternative funding.

Kellie Castle in Fife is to be operated by local volunteers if the property's deficit can be funded, otherwise it will also face closure, while Haddo House near Ellon, Aberdeenshire, will now focus on functions and pre-booked tours, although its shop, tea room and gardens will stay open. In addition, Hutchesons' Hall in Glasgow will be let to a long-term tenant as part of the proposals, which follow the news that NTS could cut up to 91 full-time jobs in a bid to save money.

Kate Mavor, NTS chief executive, said: "We will make every effort to work with our staff and external partners to minimise the changes to these properties. Our members and supporters can rest assured that we will only propose closure, or in the case of the David Livingstone Centre, relinquish management of a property, if it is absolutely necessary. "However, the trust is firm in its belief that doing nothing about the effects of the economic downturn is simply not an option."

Image: Hill of Tarvit Mansion House