A HIGH-TECH initiative is bringing together the old and the new.

Supporters of the National Trust for Scotland will, for the first time, be able to make contactless donations to the charity, thanks to a new partnership with Bank of Scotland and Visa.

Recreations of unique Scottish artefacts have been unveiled, one at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, which will act as contactless donation points.

It is hoped that the ‘Tap the Past to Preserve the Future’ initiative will raise vital funds for the charity to support its valuable work protecting Scotland’s heritage for future generations.

The bespoke creations have been weeks in the making, with the Robert Burns bust formed using the latest in 3D scanning technology to capture every detail of the original.

The makers worked closely with the Trust’s expert property and curatorial staff to create high quality replicas which are almost identical to the original pieces, but with a contactless card reader integrated.

Visitors to the sites will be able tap the contactless logo on each object to donate a fixed amount of £2.

Simon Skinner, Chief Executive at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “Like all charities, we face a significant fundraising challenge as cash donations have fallen sharply in recent years.

"This initiative could not come at a more crucial time and will enable us to accept contactless donations at our sites for the first time.

"It’s only through the support of our visitors, members and donors that our charity can help to protect Scotland’s natural and national treasures, like Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and Fyvie Castle, for everyone to enjoy.

"Working closely with Bank of Scotland and Visa to install these contactless artefacts means even more people can help support all we do, for the love of Scotland.”

Ricky Diggins, Network Director at Bank of Scotland, added: “In 1786, Robert Burns composed a poem on the back of a Bank of Scotland note, so it is fantastic to see a recreation of him now accepting contactless donations, helping to preserve treasured historical sites in Scotland.”

As a charity, the National Trust for Scotland relies on funds generated through donations and memberships to help care for and protect Scotland’s natural and national treasures.