Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is set to roll out the red carpet to visitors this St Andrew’s Day weekend with tickets to iconic heritage sites across the country up for grabs from 10am on Monday 6 November.
As part of the celebrations for Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, thousands of free tickets - valid for the St Andrew’s Day weekend of Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November - will be released online for over 30 top Historic Scotland visitor attractions across the length and breadth of the country, offering people of all ages and interests the opportunity to explore the historic buildings that have helped shape Scotland’s story over the centuries.
Members of the public will have from 10am on Monday 6 November until 5pm on Friday 24 November to register online for free tickets to some of the best-loved historic sites across the country, including world-famous Edinburgh Castle, the remarkable Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae in Orkney and the graceful ruins of Dryburgh Abbey in the Borders.
There is no limit on the number of participating attractions visitors can apply to attend, but early online registration is encouraged to avoid disappointment.
Stephen Duncan, Director of Commercial and Tourism at HES, said: “After another spectacular summer, where we welcomed record-breaking numbers of visitors to our Historic Scotland attractions, I’m delighted to announce details of this year’s Ticket Giveaway.
“This year, 35 of our sites will be opening their doors to offer free admission, giving visitors a fantastic opportunity to explore the country’s rich and vibrant history.
“Many of our sites also play host to top class cafes and bespoke gift shops, making the perfect day out.
“We want to encourage communities to learn more about Scotland’s past, and exploring our sites is a great way to do this. If there’s a site on your doorstep that you haven’t visited before, now is the time!
“Our Ticket Giveaway Weekend always proves to be very popular so we would encourage people to register online as soon as possible.”
About the Ticket Giveaway Weekend
- Tickets will be released at 10am on Monday 6 November. The deadline for applying for tickets will be 5pm on Friday 24 November
- Visitors can apply for a maximum of two adult and three family tickets (admitting up to two adults and three children) to each historic property of their choosing.
- Tickets are redeemable during Ticket Giveaway Weekend (Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November 2017)
- Blackness Castle will open on Sunday 26 November 2017 only
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead public body charged with caring for, protecting and promoting the historic environment. We will lead on delivering Scotland’s first strategy for the historic environment, Our Place in Time.
- Historic Scotland is a sub brand of HES.
- View our press pack and keep up to date by registering for media release email alerts. If you wish to unsubscribe, please contact us.
Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017
2017 is the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology (HHA), a year that will celebrate Scotland’s people, our distinct culture and traditions, our historic landscapes, attractions and icons as well as our hidden gems and amazing stories. From World Heritage Sites to ancient monuments, listed buildings to historic battlefields, cultural traditions to our myths, stories and legends, 2017 is the year to explore Scotland’s fascinating past. This is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland and a variety of partners.
Get involved on Twitter with #HHA2017
Follow Historic Environment Scotland
Twitter: @HistEnvScot | @welovehistory
Facebook: @HistoricEnvScotland | @VisitHistoricScotland
For further information, please contact:
Claire Mullaney
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
Direct Line: 0131 668 8588
Mobile: 07881 512 379
claire.mullaney@hes.scot
Or
Heather Marston, 3x1 Public Relations
Direct Line: 0131 225 7700
hmarston@3x1.com