The National Trust for Scotland is seeking to appoint a new chairman.
Sir Kenneth Calman, who has headed up the conservation charity since 2010, is standing down next September.
His replacement will be expected to represent the organisation externally and promote its interests to the outside world.
He or she will also convene the charity’s board of trustees, which is ultimately responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the trust.
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) looks after 80 castles, gardens, historic houses and heritage attractions around Scotland.
Notable properties include Brodie Castle near Forres in Moray, Arduaine Garden near Oban, Castle Fraser at Sauchen near Inverurie, Culloden Battlefield near Nairn and Leith Hall near Huntly.
NTS chief executive, Kate Mavor said: “Sir Ken will be a hard act to follow – there is no doubt about it.
“This is why we are allowing such a long lead-in time to appoint his successor.
“The board want to be confident they appoint the right person to take on the role, secure in the knowledge that Sir Ken’s wise guidance and counsel will continue during this period.”
