Estate Surveyor

Estate Surveyor, South & West

Salary: £39,521

About Us

The National Trust for Scotland is the independent charity that protects and shares some of our country’s most precious historic places and natural landscapes on behalf of the people of Scotland.

Since 1931, we’ve pioneered public access to and shared ownership of some of the most magnificent buildings, collections and habitats in Scotland. We care for ancient houses, battlefields, castles, mills, gardens, coastlines, islands, mountain ranges and all the communities, plants and animals which depend upon them. In fact, we manage more heritage attractions than any other private group in Scotland.

Job Purpose

The role of the Estate Surveyor is to advise on the management of the non-visited property within the South & West Region, which spans from Castle Douglas to Oban. This role primarily supports the Regional Director, it also supports the Business Manager and the Operations Managers within the Regional Team.

The Estate Surveyor oversees the occupancy agreements, revenue generation, administration and compliance of all let property within the Region. There is a requirement to provide briefings and supporting papers for the Regional Director to provide the background and context for decision making. As part of the National Estates Team, there are also Trust-wide tasks for the Estate Surveyor.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Provide a wide range of property asset management consultancy advice and support, carrying out connected tasks to further the management of a substantial portfolio with responsibility primarily for the leased agricultural, residential and commercial assets, including instigating and negotiating rent reviews, lease renewals and other landlord and tenant matters.
• Growing Income – continued advances in activity, identifying opportunities, maximising rental income, improving efficiency, delivering value for money and progressing complex negotiations.
• Provide the risk management, legislative support and the necessary assurance to ensure activities are in line with Trust policies and procedures, best practice and the external requirements on the Trust, helping to deliver a consistent approach across all activities.
• Provision of timely and accurate reporting, including Financial reporting, working with Managers to set, manage and report on budgets.
• Management of Conservation Agreements within the Region, including reporting to the Conservation Agreement Scrutiny Panel where required.
• Developing relationships with tenants, neighbours, NTS members and parties connected to NTS.
• NTS is the 4th largest landowner in Scotland and holds a diverse and challenging portfolio. The post holder is required to be conversant in legislation regarding property asset management. Support will be provided by the Head of National Estates, counterpart Estates surveyors, NTS legal team and internal and external specialists. The post holder will be required to manage projects, deliver and enact solutions to the many and varied day to day issues.
• As the post holder develops they will use their regional remit and ever increasing understanding of the wider Trust organisation to identify and develop opportunities working closely with NEM and colleagues.
• Participation in (and on occasion leading) multi-disciplinary project teams consisting of in-house staff and external consultants/contractors.
• While not a revenue budget holder, the post-holder will be involved in the setting of the annual budget and therefore be responsible for the delivery against budget of specific rental income targets, capital expenditure projects and maintenance activities. They will also have input into repair and maintenance budgets, ensuring projects are completed in time and on budget.

Experience & Essential Skills

• RICS qualified with a minimum of 3 years demonstrable successful post qualification experience in:
• Landlord and tenant matters.
• Property management.
• Rural Surveying.
• A working knowledge of the following:
• Agriculture.
• Forestry and woodland management.
• Mapping.
• Management of the natural environment and landscape.
• Access & rights over land.
• Land use & diversification.
• Self-starter with proactive and resourceful capabilities and capable of working effectively both within a team dynamic and able to work remotely.
• Commercially aware and able to negotiate independently and effectively.
• Proven effective problem-solving skills.
• Strong and effective interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written, at all levels.
• Resilient, flexible and with a positive outlook.
• A driving licence with access to a car.

Application Process

Eden Scott is retained and working exclusively with National Trust for Scotland. Please submit your CV online to or for a confidential discussion to hear more about the opportunity, then please contact Iain Atkinson, Director on 07714 124 033.

Closing date for applications is Friday 10th January 2025.