Historical re-enactors will bring iconic sites to life with characters at much-loved locations across Scotland from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 October for this year’s Great Big Living History Week.
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 to 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.
Entry is free for Historic Scotland members.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
- Historic Scotland, Scran, Canmore, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, and Edinburgh Castle are sub-brands of HES.
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Laura Ely
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07721 959 962
communications@hes.scot