Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Last Updated: 28 March 2024 13:21
Castle which held Mary, Queen of Scots prisoner, iron age fort and defences from the Napoleonic wars among more than 20 iconic attractions set to welcome visitors back.
Familiar and popular seasonal sites will be welcoming visitors again as we head into spring, as well as several heritage locations reopening following high-level masonry inspections.
With Lochleven Castle, which famously held Mary, Queen of Scots prisoner on her return from France, Iron Age archaeology at the Broch of Gurness and dark historical tales from Hermitage Castle just a few of the visitor experiences on offer, there truly is something for everyone to experience over the coming months.
From Easter weekend, visitors can head to attractions including Inchcolm Abbey, Spynie Palace and Newark Castle. Also reopening will be Stanley Mills, home to fascinating industrial history and the prehistoric Cairnpapple Hill.
Visitors can find out more about sites reopening in their area and plan their visits on the Historic Environment Scotland website.
Several sites will also reopen this spring following high-level masonry inspections. Access restrictions were put in place at some sites as a safety precaution while HES introduced new measures to manage the impact of climate change on its heritage assets. While this is not an issue unique to Scotland, HES is one of the first to proactively tackle it. Some additional sites that will be welcoming visitors following their inspections include Elcho Castle, Lochranza Castle and Bothwell Castle.
Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing & Engagement at HES, said:
“It’s fantastic to be able to welcome visitors back to so many of our iconic sites this season. These historic attractions contain invaluable stories about Scotland’s past, and we’re thrilled that these places can once again be enjoyed by people across the country.
“We’re also pleased to be able to reopen and increase access at further sites following high-level masonry inspections, with over 90% of our estate open for the public to explore and enjoy.”
Some partial restrictions may remain in place at some sites while the high-level masonry programme is ongoing. Booking in advance is recommended at all ticketed sites.
Information about individual sites, including opening dates and times, can be found at historyawaits.scot
Image: Lochleven Castle
Image credit: Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers
A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MORE
David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month
Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Olivier Award nominated star announced as part of cast of The Bodyguard
Award-winning smash hit musical The Bodyguard will star international leading lady Sidonie Smith as Rachel Marron and Olivier Award nominee Adam Garcia as Frank Farmer when it comes to Glasgow!
READ MORE
Charity Super.Mkt marks 1 year milestone with longest serving location in Glasgow
The 'department store for second-hand style', Charity Super.Mkt, in Buchanan Galleries is celebrating one year this May, proudly marking its longest-running store to date.
READ MORE
The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors
2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MORE
Comedy giants get The Last Laugh in new show coming to Glasgow following EdFringe and West End runs
The Last Laugh will arrive at Glasgow's Theatre Royal this summer following a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe!
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical
Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MORE
Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day
For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORE
Daniel Casey to star as Inspector Barnaby in Scottish premiere of Midsomer Murders
Original cast member of Midsomer Murders, Daniel Casey, joins new stage adaptation making its Scottish premiere at the Theatre Royal Glasgow in February.
READ MORE
Strictly champ Ore Oduba joins Picture You Dead ahead of performances at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
See the bestselling DSI Roy Grace book by Peter James on stage for the first time at Glasgow's Theatre Royal from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th June.
READ MORE
Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates
Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MORE
Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience
This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORE
Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes
Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MORE
Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland
The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MORE
Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MORE
Fat Hippo fans prepare for the ultimate CheezHIT
Roll up your sleeves and get stuck in as Cheez-It® and Fat Hippo announce the ultimate collaboration.
READ MORE
Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15
To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MORE
This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!
Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MORE
Lychee Oriental expands with second Glasgow location
Lychee Oriental, Glasgow's modern Cantonese restaurant, will launch its second location in the city's Southside tomorrow.
READ MORE
Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MORE
PAWsitive Vibes Only: Bookface Sip, Swap & Support for Refuweegee... and Dogs are Welcome!
Calling all bookworms and their four-legged friends... this could be the ulti-mutt afternoon you've been waiting for!
READ MORE
Thousands of school children get taste for Glasgow 850 celebrations
Glasgow children are getting behind their city’s 850th birthday celebrations as a week-long Glasgow 850 Schools' Festival gets underway at primary schools across the city.
READ MORE
Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MORE
Market set to bring flavours and crafts from around the world to Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!
READ MORE
The Big Yin! Hoolie in the Hydro to applaud Glasgow legend Sir Billy Connolly
Scotland's biggest night of traditional music Hoolie in the Hydro will celebrate Glasgow comedy and folk music legend Sir Billy Connolly in larger-than-life style later this year!
READ MORE
Extra Event: NY Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell heads to the Bookface Sip & Swap in Glasgow
Due to high demand, an extra Bookface Sip & Swap event with Lisa Jewell will take place on Tuesday 8th July at Saints of Ingram, Glasgow, from 12.30–3.30pm.
READ MORE
Kiltwalk celebrates fundraising milestone as Glasgow hits record numbers
Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 attracted so many kind-hearted walkers this weekend that organisers had to add an extra day to create the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk!
READ MORE
Barrowland Ballet take over Scotland with two shows this year
Award-winning dance company Barrowland Ballet present world premiere of Wee Man and the revival of Chunky Jewellery, ahead of Edinburgh Festival Fringe transfers this year.
READ MORE
30,000 Expected as Ashton Lane Street Party Returns for West End Fest 2025
The epic Ashton Lane Summer Street Party is back for West End Fest 2025, taking over the cobbled lane for a full weekend of live music, street performers, DJs, street food and alfresco drinks!
READ MORE
Line up announced for Laugh In The Park
Laugh in the Park, Glasgow Southside's annual comedy festival, has announced their line up featuring nine of the absolute best performers to be found in Scotland!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links