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The National Trust for Scotland will be presided over by the Earl of Lindsay when the tenth Duke of Buccleuch steps down in September.

76,000 hectares of countryside, which includes 16 islands and seven nature reserves, will come under his jurisdiction, but he has some impressive credentials.

Educated at Eton and Edinburgh University, James Randolph Lindesay-Bethune is the chairman of several organisations including the Scottish Agricultural College and sits on a number of boards.

Between 1995 and 1997 he held the position of Conservative Scottish Minister with responsibility for agriculture, forestry, environmental protection, countryside, sustainable development and culture.

Sir Kenneth Calman, chairman of the National Trust for Scotland said: "He combines commercial acumen with direct experience of policymaking and governance, and I have no doubt that he will be an ideal ambassador for the trust as we move forward in delivering our new strategy."

The Trust was established in 1931 and has the biggest number of members of any organisation in Scotland, with in excess of 308,000.