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12 June 2025

Vikings warriors to visit Dumbarton Castle

Vikings will descend on Dumbarton Castle this weekend (Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June) as part of the Visiting Viking event.

Four men in Viking costumes with helmets on are sitting on a bench looking at each other surrounded by grass. The two Vikings on the outside have shields in front of them while the two in the middle have swords. Dumbarton Rock is in the background.

Visiting Vikings at Dumbarton Castle

Visitors are invited to come along and meet the Vikings, find out more about their weapons and invasion techniques, and experience a Viking saga to discover what life was like for the seafaring Norsemen. 

Dumbarton Castle, managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), is one of Scotland’s oldest strongholds and has a long and varied history. The Rock was besieged several times, with the assault by Viking kings Olaf and Ivar of Dublin in 870 being the worst. 

Gillian Urquhart, Events Manager at HES, said:

“Dumbarton Castle has a fascinating history which spans 1,500 years and our Visiting Vikings event is a fantastic day out for the whole family. Why not come along and meet the Viking warriors to find out more about how they helped to shape the Castle’s story?” 

The event is included in admission to Dumbarton Castle. Entry for Historic Scotland members is free. Find out more about Visiting Vikings event. 

The Historic Scotland Explorer Pass also allows visitors to explore 5,000 years of history over just 14 days. Entry to Dumbarton Castle, as well as sites across Scotland, is free for Explorer Pass holders. Advance booking is required. 

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, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.
  • View our press pack and keep up to date by registering to receive our media releases. Already registered? You can unsubscribe at any time by following the unsubscribe link, included in every email. 

Follow HES 

Facebook: @HistoricEnvScotland | @VisitHistoricScotland 
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For further information, please contact:

Stacey Shaw
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07881 512 379
communications@hes.scot

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