Visitors to Stirling Castle will be able to step back in time to explore Scotland’s Jacobite history through the magic of LEGO with a brand new exhibition which is now on display at the iconic castle.
The Jacobite Risings: The Fight for Britain’s Throne depicts key locations involved in the Jacobite story, recreated in approximately 1 million LEGO bricks, and featuring over 2000 soldiers from both sides of the conflict. The model includes detailed miniature recreations of two sites in the care of Historic Environment Scotland (HES): the medieval tower house Corgarff Castle and Ruthven Barracks, the bulwark against the Jacobites built by George II’s government in the early 1700s.
The exhibition – on display for the first time ever in Scotland – will run until Friday 2nd February 2018.
The spectacular 6 metre by 3 metre model has been painstakingly crafted by Brick to the Past, a team of volunteer LEGO and history enthusiasts who specialise in creating massive, detailed and meticulously researched historically themed LEGO models.
Speaking ahead of the exhibition, Dan Harris of Brick to the Past said: “As 2017 is Scotland’s year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, we wanted to join in with the celebrations and struck upon the Jacobite Risings as great topic that represented a pivotal moment in not only Scottish history, but in British history too.
We had a great time designing and building its different parts, from the Jacobites themselves to the major buildings, which are based on HES properties such as Corgarff Castle and Ruthven Barracks.
“It also gave us an opportunity to take on Scotland’s dramatic landscape, so we have built mountains, rivers, forests and animals that are designed to represent those of the highlands.
“It’s really exciting to be going on display at Stirling Castle. It’s an incredible venue with so much history!
Liz Grant, Executive Manager of Stirling Castle, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing this exhibition to Stirling Castle – the first time it will go on display in Scotland.
“LEGO offers a fun way to engage younger audiences with our historic sites – and I’m sure it will prove popular with ‘big kids’ too!
This exhibition is the perfect way to round off our Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology celebrations.”
Brick to the Past’s The Jacobite Risings: The Fight for Britain’s Throne will be on display in the Queens Outer Hall at Stirling Castle until Friday 2nd February. Entry to the exhibition is included in the normal Stirling Castle admission price.
For more information about events at Stirling Castle, visit our website.
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.
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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.
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Twitter: @HistEnvScot | @welovehistory
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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