Leave a legacy

Where were you on 16 October 1987?

As he reflects on the 25th anniversary of the 1987 storms, weatherman Michael Fish has joined Remember a Charity to encourage more people to plan for the unexpected and make sure they have a Will.

“What I’ve learned from my years of forecasting is that, however prepared you are, the weather can still be unpredictable. Life’s a bit like that too; that’s why we’re encouraging people to make sure they’ve got their Will sorted.”

Every gift in a Will makes a difference, no matter how large or small

It is a little known fact that much of our vital income comes from the generosity of people leaving gifts in their Wills.

In 2011, clearing up after the winter storms (and in particular making safe thousands of damaged trees) cost more than £20,000: unplanned spending for which we had to dip into our financial reserves, only made possible thanks to legacy gifts.

Of course, we are not asking you to write or update your Will right now. We are simply asking for you to give a thought to Scotland’s wildlife. And when the time is right, after taking care of your loved ones, we hope you’ll remember the Scottish Wildlife Trust in your Will and help our work live on.

More information on leaving a legacy

By leaving a legacy, you can help prevent Scotland's precious wildlife from disappearing. After providing for your loved ones, remembering the Scottish Wildlife Trust with a gift in your Will can help us fight for better protection of Scotland's natural environment. As the Trust is a registered charity, leaving a legacy is also tax free and will reduce the inheritance tax burden on your estate.

How we will use your legacy

We believe that Scotland's wildlife is a gift that we should treasure for future generations. For this reason, we are actively involved in a wide range of conservation activities, including:

Managing 120 wildlife reserves for the benefit of present and future generations
Protecting Scotland's most endangered habitats and species
Campaigning for greater protection of Scotland's wildlife
Working closely with farmers and landowners to promote sustainability
Inspiring children and adults to get involved in the natural world

You can make a real difference

Please consider leaving a legacy to the Scottish Wildlife Trust to ensure that our natural heritage is protected and appreciated. Every gift, no matter how large or small, will make a difference to Scotland's wildlife. If you would like more information on leaving a legacy, please contact us on 0131 312 4772, or e-mail whill@swt.org.uk