A pivotal day for Edoardo, his colleagues and for the history of the nation
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Whilst Edoardo Bedin continues his 500 mile walk to save Scotland’s historic properties from jeopardy, he is also counting down the days to crossing the finish line of this 500 mile trek at Haddo House at the end of the month on Sunday 30 August.
Over the last three weeks he has felt the weight of the nation’s support behind him, he has been interviewed for television, radio and appeared in many newspapers up and down the country, but there is added angst and anticipation in the mix today as he waits for his phone to ring.
Like the majority of his National Trust for Scotland (NTS) colleagues he has been awaiting news of the security of his job since the COVID crisis began, which resulted in NTS doors being closed, and today would be the day he learned the outcome.
He was walking from Kinross to Falkland Palace, near Cupar, and whilst he strode out across this 20km his phone was expected to ring with news of his future.
The majority of the NTS workforce is awaiting news of how the charitable organisation hopes to emerge from the financial peril it found itself in as a result of the unstable and very concerning last five months.
Each NTS employee, at risk of redundancy, would receive a telephone call to hear the result of decisions from HQ about their individual roles.
This process started a few days ago, nationwide across the Trust, and properties in the north east region - including Haddo House where Edoardo is based - expected hear their outcome today.
As well as finding out if they still have a job, staff were expecting to discover what the ongoing plans are for Haddo House (and other NTS properties) for the coming year and beyond.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) Edoardo will stride out, further along his journey and reach the NTS property The Hill of Tarvit near Cupar, where he will be guest of honour at a welcome party acknowledging the valiant work he is doing, walking 500 miles in five weeks to shine a light on 23 closed NTS properties.
He will be met by the new chief executive of the National Trust for Scotland, Philip Long OBE.
The office of cabinet secretary for culture, fair work and economy Fiona Hyslop sent Edoardo a message reading: “The Scottish Government applauds this demonstration of your love for Scotland's heritage.
"The depth of commitment to the National Trust for Scotland is impressive and shows the warmth with which the sites in its care are held in people's hearts.
"It is good to hear of the support you have received from the new Chief Executive and his team.
"Your project is an immense undertaking – congratulations.”
Heritage hero Edoardo walks on to complete the 500 miles of his mammoth trip across Scotland by the end of the month, with nine more magnificent properties to highlight over the next 14 days.
To keep up to date with his journey, as well as the fate of the NTS properties and their staff, you can follow on Facebook at Hitting the Road for the Love of Scotland or on Instagram at @hittingtheroad4loveofscotland
Yesterday's welcome announcement from the Scottish Government of promised funds for the NTS, still does not bring this heritage charity out of the woods and there is still a long way to go to recover from the effects of the ongoing COVID crisis.
So, regardless of the outcome of his personal job situation, the ever passionate Edoardo will continue to walk to raise awareness, to highlight the closed properties, and to raise money - so far he has raised almost £2600 to keep Scotland's heritage alive.
You can donate to help the cause by visiting Edoardo’s fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hittingtheroadfortheloveofscotland
If you want to cheer Edoardo along on his journey, his itinerary is as follows:
August 18 - Falkland Palace to Hill Of Tarvit.
August 19 - Hill Of Tarvit to Dundee.
August 20 - Dundee to JM Barrie's Birthplace.
August 21 - JM Barrie's Birthplace to Brechin.
August 23 - Brechin to Clattering Bridge.
August 24 - Clattering Bridge to Banchory (vis Cairn O'Mount)
August 25 - Banchory to Craigievar Castle.
August 26 - Craigievar Castle to Castle Fraser.
August 27 - Castle Fraser to Insch.
August 28 - Insch to Colpy via Leith Hall.
August 29 - Colpy to Peth of Minnonie via Fyvie Castle.
August 30 - Peth of Minnonie to Haddo House via Pitmedden Garden.
