Doors reopen to some of Scotland's iconic historic sites

More than 40 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Wednesday 1 April, as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) marks the start of its spring/summer season.  

Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or simply looking for a day out, Scotland’s history is ready to be discovered. There are historic sites to explore throughout the country, from the beautiful ruins of Kildrummy Castle in Aberdeenshire - which played a key role in the Wars of Scottish Independence - down to Seton Collegiate Church, which was raided by English forces during the time of Henry VIII, to Lochleven Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned, before ultimately escaping although never to see Scotland again.    

Roger Curtis, Interim Director of Operations at HES, said:

“It’s always exciting to welcome visitors to our wonderful seasonal historic sites over the spring and summer months. Whether revisiting a favourite spot or experiencing a new place for the first time, warmer weather offers a fantastic opportunity to get outside and explore Scotland’s historic environment."

Visitors will also benefit from increased access at some sites following the completion of essential conservation work. Cardoness Castle will offer greater access to its grounds, while Melrose Abbey and Hailes Castle will be able to welcome visitors to once again explore their interiors this season.

As part of the seasonal activity, sites throughout the country will be celebrating the onset of warmer weather with family-friendly events across the Easter Weekend, including Lambs on the Loose! The Easter Trail and Living History performances. For a full list of events, visit our events page. 

Visitors can find out more about sites reopening in their area and plan their visit on our visit page. 

Entry to sites and daytime events is free for Historic Scotland members. Members can also collect History Hunt Cards, a series of seven cards looking at the various types of sites including fortresses, settlements, and towers, when they visit staffed sites. A full set can be exchanged for a pin badge only available through the Hunt. For more information or to become a member visit [INSERT LINK HERE] 

Seasonal sites reopening from 1 April are:

• Balvenie Castle

• Biggar Gasworks Museum

• Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces (minor restrictions at Earl’s Palace)

• Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace

• Broch of Gurness

• Burleigh Castle

• Cairnpapple Hill

• Cambuskenneth Abbey (access to grounds and tower ground floor). Dogs must be kept on lead due to grazing farm animals nearby

• Castle Campbell

• Claypotts Castle (select dates only)

• Corgarff Castle

• Crossraguel Abbey (cloister and east end of nave will remain closed)

• Dundrennan Abbey (some restrictions in graveyard)

• Edzell Castle and Garden

• Elcho Castle

• Glenluce Abbey (access to grounds, museum and visitor centre)

• Hackness Martello Tower and Battery

• Hermitage Castle

• Inchcolm Abbey

• Inchmahome Priory (some restrictions in nave and chapter house)

• Innerpeffray Chapel

• Kildrummy Castle

• Kinneil House

• Lochleven Castle

• MacLellan’s Castle (access to majority of castle’s ground floor, grounds and shop)

• Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum

• New Abbey Corn Mill

• Newark Castle

• Ravenscraig Castle

• Seton Collegiate Church

• Skipness Castle and Chapel

• Smailholm Tower

• Spynie Palace

• St Serf’s Church and Dupplin Cross

• St Vigeans Stones and Museum

• Stanley Mills

• Threave Castle (access to grounds only)

• Tolquhon Castle

• Torphichen Preceptory

• Trinity House

• Tullibardine Chapel

• Whithorn Priory and Museum

Sites offering increased access:

• Cardoness Castle (access to grounds and visitor centre)

• Hailes Castle

• Melrose Abbey (some restrictions to abbey interior)

• Sweetheart Abbey

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.

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Historic Environment Scotland Communications Office
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