How to include a gift in your Will | Scottish Wildlife Trust

Every gift matters

Every gift in every Will, no matter how large or small, really does make a difference to the future of Scotland’s wildlife.

Look after your loved ones

By having a valid and up to date Will in place, you can ensure that your nearest and dearest are provided for, as well as helping charitable causes that are close to your heart.

Leave a gift to wildlife

Remembering the Scottish Wildlife Trust in your Will is really simple.

Writing a new Will

The first step in making a new Will is to decide who will do this for you. The Scottish Wildlife Trust cannot recommend a particular solicitor or Will writer but the following links may be helpful in choosing the right one for you.

Using a solicitor: Find a solicitor in your local area through the Law Society of Scotland.

Using a Will writer: Professional Will writers are another option, but they are currently less regulated than solicitors. It is important to check that they belong to a professional body and follow a code of conduct. The Institute of Professional Will writers are just one of the bodies that might be able to help.

Using a bank: Many high street banks now offer a Will writing service for their customers. Please contact your local branch for further information.

Use the Free Wills Network: You can find a solicitor local to you who will provide a Will free of charge. Contact [TBC] for more information.

Updating an existing Will

It is important to review your Will regularly to ensure it reflects your current wishes. Generally you should review your Will every five years or every time a ‘life-event’ happens.

For example when:

You marry
You have a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a change in your financial circumstances
There are major changes in the types or rates of taxation
You are going to live abroad
You are moving to shared accommodation
You separate or divorce from your spouse or partner
A change in the health of either you or your partner

Updating your Will is a simple task and small changes or additions can be made easily using a Codicil or Letter of Wishes. This is an instruction that is added to your existing Will but we recommend you seek professional help to make any changes and ensure it is legally binding.

The contents of a Will

Once you’ve chosen who will draw up your new Will, you may be able to save time and money by considering a few things before making a start. These include:

Who should inherit your property, money, shares and other assets and possessions
Who should be responsible for looking after your estate (the executors)
Special arrangements for your funeral
Any charitable donations you would like to make and whether you would like to leave a pecuniary or residual gift

If you would like to include a gift in your Will to the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the information you require is:

Scottish Wildlife Trust
Harbourside House
110 Commercial Street
Edinburgh
EH6 6NF

Charity Number: SC005792

For more information on any aspect of writing or updating your Will, you can contact Zoe on 0131 312 4772 or email zfurnivall@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk