VISITORS will experience history brought to life at iconic, historic sites across the country, as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announces details of its programme of events for spring and summer 2024.
The first of the programme of events is the annual Easter Eggsplorer Trails, taking place across a range of Historic Scotland sites over the Easter Holiday weekend (March 29 – April 1) where younger kids and their families can enjoy fun challenges and have the chance to earn a chocolatey reward as well. The ever-popular Unicorn event is also returning to Stirling Castle (April 6-7) and invites visitors to meet our real-life unicorns and learn more about Scotland’s national mythical beast.
Also returning this year is the Celebration of the Centuries at Fort George. The famous Highland military fortress near Inverness is once again set to host HES’s largest re-enactment event. This August (10-11) re-enactors will showcase a living timeline depicting over two thousand years of Scottish history. Wander through the living history camps dating back to the Picts and Romans and dance along to the big band in the Forties zone.
Another two-day adventure will take place at Blackness Castle in September (7-8), one of Scotland’s most impressive strongholds, having served as an artillery fortress, royal castle, prison and armaments depot. Siege on the Forth will feature entertainment and performances for all the family, inviting all ages to come along and discover more about the rich history of the ship that never sailed.
Annual favourite Spectacular Jousting will also be returning to the grounds of both Linlithgow Palace (June 29-30) and Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries and Galloway (July 27-28). A series of Living History events will also take place across many Historic Scotland sites, where costumed historical performers will be on hand to tell visitors about the history of the site and the characters they portray. The programme will span attractions including Dumbarton Castle, St Andrew’s Castle and Huntly Castle.
Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at HES, said: “Our jam-packed events programme truly offers something for everyone, with historically themed live performances, interactive experiences and family activities that gives visitors the chance to engage with Scotland’s rich heritage in an exciting way.
“It’s a joy to be able to take new and returning visitors on journeys through history under the backdrop of iconic sites like Stirling Castle and Caerlaverock Castle. We’re encouraging everyone to come and enjoy all that our events have to offer, as well as exploring our historic sites.”
Tickets for events can be bought in advance online at historicenvironment.scot/events. Daytime events are free for Historic Scotland members.
The full 2024 summer events programme can be found at historicenvironment.scot/events, or you can watch the events trailer here.
Historic Scotland membership gives unlimited access to Scotland’s rich history and unmissable events. For more information, visit: alittlehistory.scot
