Fresh from the castle, The Traitors star Matty Hyndman encourages Scots to reconnect with nature at historic sites
Outdoor adventure advocate Matty Hyndman is teaming up with Historic Environment Scotland and encouraging people across Scotland to take time out and discover the wellbeing benefits of the country’s most historic places.
59% of visitors to Historic Environment Scotland sites in 2025/26 reported an improvement in their wellbeing after spending time at a site. To help more people experience these wellbeing benefits, Matty and his dog River are highlighting the unique opportunities to explore history and nature at sites including Linlithgow Palace.
Best known for his TV appearance in the Highlands as a Faithful on BBC’s The Traitors, Matty inspires people to get outdoors through his social media channels and his ‘Wee Gay Hike Club’, which brings together LGBTQ+ people, friends and allies to explore Scotland on foot.
Outdoor adventure advocate Matty Hyndman said:
“No matter the weather, getting outdoors can give a huge boost to your mental health and wellbeing. It is so important to broaden your horizons, get out of your usual routine and really make the most of your spare time.
“Spending some time in nature is a brilliant way to clear your head and reconnect with yourself. One of the great things about Scotland is that you can discover these incredible historic places with fascinating stories. That’s why I’m really excited to be working with Historic Environment Scotland to highlight the huge range of places to explore.
“Visiting Linlithgow Palace with River has opened my eyes to another incredible Historic Environment Scotland site. We can all be guilty of overlooking some of these amazing places that are right on our doorstep. You don’t always need to travel far, it’s just about getting outdoors, exploring somewhere new and soaking up the history and nature benefits.”
From peaceful gardens and dramatic coastal views to woodland walks and spectacular historic landscapes, Historic Environment Scotland has curated a list of the top five places where visitors can connect with nature, experience wellbeing benefits and take in their rich history
The five sites are:
Linlithgow Palace: Set beside Linlithgow Loch, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots is surrounded by beautiful open space and offers visitors the chance to enjoy its remarkable history alongside views across the surrounding landscape.
Castle Semple Collegiate Church: Located in a peaceful setting in Renfrewshire, the late Gothic church and medieval burial ground offer visitors the opportunity to discover a fascinating part of Scotland’s history and spot swans or kingfishers.
Aberdour Castle and Gardens: One of Scotland’s oldest standing castles, Aberdour Castle combines centuries of aristocratic history with one of the oldest gardens in Scotland. The peaceful terraced gardens offer spectacular views of the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh.
Deer Abbey: A peaceful place to pause and reflect, Deer Abbey’s story stretches back more than 800 years. Wander among the remaining stone footings and the ruins of the monks’ former dining hall and imagine the quiet Cistercian life once lived here before walking or cycling local paths along the South Ugie Water.
Castle Campbell: Once the forbidding fortress of a powerful Highland clan, today Castle Campbell combines fascinating history with dramatic scenery, woodland and dramatic views across Dollar Glen and the Ochil Hills.
Roger Curtis, Interim Director of Operations at Historic Environment Scotland, said:
“Scotland’s historic places tell the unique stories of the people and fascinating events that shaped our country but they can also give us the chance to step away from busy everyday lives to spend time outdoors.
“Whether it’s exploring a castle, wandering through ancient woodlands or taking in a coastal view, alongside Matty we’re encouraging you to discover the many different ways you can enjoy Scotland’s historic places and boost your wellbeing.”
Historic Scotland membership offers the opportunity to enjoy historic attractions throughout the year, so visitors can discover the wellbeing benefits of castles, palaces, abbeys and other places in the care of Historic Environment Scotland. For visitors planning to explore several sites over a shorter period, the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass offers another way to make the most of Scotland’s historic places.
Find out more about our historic sites and membership options.
No matter the weather, getting outdoors can give a huge boost to your mental health and wellbeing
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
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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