Dividend Declaration

Martin Currie High Income Trust PLC
29 May 2001

                                                         For immediate release

                                                                   29 May 2001


To:  Stock Exchange
       City editors



MARTIN CURRIE HIGH INCOME TRUST plc

The directors of Martin Currie High Income Trust have today announced a
dividend of 1.75p per ordinary share for the three months ended 30 April 2001.
The record date is 8 June 2001, and the dividend will be paid on 29 June 2001.
This dividend announcement is consistent with the board's policy to pay
approximately two-thirds of the annual dividend over the first three quarters,
with a larger dividend for the final quarter ending 31 July 2001. The board
intends to distribute a total of 8.20p per share for the full year, in the
absence of adverse circumstances.


                                   - ends -


For further information, please contact:

Jeff Saunders
Martin Currie Investment Management Ltd    0131 229 5252
[e-mail]


Fiona Harris
Quill Communications                       020 7 618 8905
[e-mail]