Get ready for a great big Living History Week

Historical re-enactors will be heading to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October for this year's Great Big Living History Week!

Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Last Updated: 3 October 2024 13:52

Bringing iconic sites to life with characters at much-loved locations across Scotland from Saturday 12th to Sunday 20th October.

Just in time for the October Holidays, visitors will have the opportunity to witness history brought to life with Living History performances across a range of sites throughout the half term week. Soldiers from the Great War, a travelling apothecary, and Tudor history will all be heading to Edinburgh Castle. Linlithgow Palace will welcome a seamstress, offering the chance to learn about the fashions of the 16th century court in the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Heading north, Fort George will open its gates to soldiers from across military history, from the Gordon Highlanders of the Great War to a grenadier of the 43rd Regiment, the Black Watch.

Medieval musicians and embroiderers will take centre stage at Aberdour Castle, whilst a Medieval archer put on an impressive display at Caerlaverock Castle, and Doune Castle delves into the history of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. There's the chance to learn more about one of the oldest tomb effigies at Elgin Cathedral, plus discover the story of the Grant family and their struggles with the MacDonalds at Urquhart Castle.

Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “It’s great to welcome the Great Big Living History Week to so many of our iconic sites up and down the country. Living History is a brilliant way to engage with our heritage, and there’s nothing quite like meeting these skilled performers to bring the past to life.

“With such a range of historical performers to meet and many different eras to explore across our sites, the Great Big Living History Week really does offer something for everyone, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors along.”

Great Big Living History Week will take place at the following sites:

• Aberdour Castle & Gardens
• Blackness Castle
• Caerlaverock Castle
• Craigmillar Castle
• Doune Castle
• Dumbarton Castle
• Dunfermline Abbey
• Dunstaffnage Castle & Chapel
• Edinburgh Castle
• Elgin Cathedral
• Fort George
• Linlithgow Palace
• Melrose Abbey
• St Andrews Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Tantallon Castle
• Urquhart Castle

To add the autumn fun, there will also be some eerie activities to get stuck into this October with Historic Scotland’s programme of Halloween events, including Halloween Hijinks at Edinburgh Castle, the Silver Scream cinema screening at Linlithgow Palace, and Halloween Shenanigans at Craigmillar, Stirling and Urquhart Castles.

For opening times and to book tickets, visit historicenvironment.scot

Entry is free for Historic Scotland members.

Image credit: HES

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington brings his new tour to Glasgow

Kai Widdrington, renowned professional dancer across the UK and Ireland, is set to bring his highly anticipated dance tour, Kai - Evolution to Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre!

Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.

Global fashion retail brand Hollister confirmed for Silverburn Glasgow

Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister is set to join its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.

Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow return to defend their title in national poetry competition

Hillhead Primary School in Glasgow, crowned Slam Masters and Individual winners at the Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, will return to this year’s competition to defend their title.

Govan Music Festival opens today with song inspired by life saving Glasgow society

This year's programme showcases the diversity, talent and passion of the historic Glasgow district, with one show featuring a song inspired by local lifesaving outfit, the Glasgow Humane Society.

Scottish comedy venues offers funded fringe for new comedian

Scottish comedy venue Blackfriars of Bell Street has joined forces with Brass Tacks Comedy to offer a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for Scottish comedian Jack Traynor.

Glasgow Film Festival celebrates its 21st edition with over 33,000 attendances

Stellar lineup of Hollywood stars including Toni Collette, Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, James McAvoy and Tim Roth lit up the city alongside a programme of free films and events for the community.

Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.

Scottish entrepreneurs launch groundbreaking whisky brand focused on accessibility, community, and innovation

Scottish-based spirits company Necropolis Spirits has unveiled its latest product, The Merchants' Select whisky, marking a bold new chapter in the whisky industry.

Elements announces exclusive wine dinner with Grgich Hills Winery

Three AA Rosette Elements restaurant announces exclusive wine dinner with World-renowned Grgich Hills Winery.

Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.

NQ64 celebrates third birthday in Glasgow with bottomless gaming challenge and new daytime hours

Neon-lit retro arcade bar, NQ64 is celebrating its third birthday with a brand new Bottomless Gaming challenge, inventive cocktails and expanded daytime operating hours!

TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.

Scotland vs Greece: First Bus Hampden Express to run for huge second leg tie

First Bus is making it as easy as possible for Scotland fans to get to Hampden and back this Sunday thanks to its dedicated X31 express service!

Five star Crossbasket Castle unveils first look images of new hotel & restaurant

The venue has been designed to transport guests back to a magical bygone era, offering an escape from everyday life into a world of indulgence and excitement.

New fried chicken spot lands in Shawlands

The wait is over! Birds, the latest venture from the award-winning team behind El Perro Negro, is officially open and serving up some of the best fried chicken Glasgow has to offer!

Brand new Zara now open at Silverburn Glasgow

Global fashion brand Zara has officially opened at Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, with eager shoppers queuing to be the first through the doors.

Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.

Shawlands Academy announced winners of Buchanan Galleries and Ahead Partnership Made in Glasgow 2025 Challenge

Team 'BamBrew' from Shawlands Academy have been announced as the winners of the 2025 'Made in Glasgow' enterprise challenge.

20 Glasgow businesses shortlisted in the British Business Awards

20 Glasgow based companies are among the 143 from across the UK now vying for the top spot at the British Business Awards!

Giant gold girder stuns Scots as competition heats up

With three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!

Fever presents The First Round: A one of a kind experience to meet new people

An exclusive dining experience comes to Glasgow, where great food and meaningful connections come together through a unique pairing algorithm to expand social circles.

Family fun awaits at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break

From Wallace & Gromit to Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s plenty to enjoy at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break.

Glasgow Fort to host fundraiser for local charity

Glasgow Fort has teamed up with its charity partner, Simba, to launch a fundraiser to support families ahead of Mother's Day.

People might make Glasgow but can they beat a top stand up comic at his own game

Partnering with Glasgow International Comedy Festival, First Bus is offering free bus travel to ticketholders!

Buchanan Galleries announces pioneering new SignLive service ahead of Sign Language Week

Buchanan Galleries is the first shopping centre in Scotland to team up with a pioneering new service, SignLive, to help support the deaf community and improve their experience.

Do you have memories from the old YWCA centres in Glasgow

The Young Women's Movement, formerly known as YWCA Scotland, is seeking stories from its 100-year history in Scotland, as part of an oral history project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.