Responsible tourism in action
See how responsible tourism has made a difference for visitors and local communities.
Doune Castle
Doune Castle has become one of our most visited sites, in no small part due to its appearance in television's Outlander. As visitor numbers have grown, so too has the impact on the castle, the surrounding area and the local community.
In response, we've developed the Doune Sustainable Tourism Project with Stirling Council and the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
As a result, a new sustainable pedestrian bridge spans the Ardoch Burn near the castle. It creates an alternative access route and forms part of a community‑inspired heritage trail, spreading visitor journeys and reducing pressure on the main site. Visitors can also enjoy clearer signage, improved pathways and new accessible toilets for an easier, more comfortable and more welcoming visit.
Caerlaverock Castle
In the past, some of the souvenirs sold at our sites were imported from overseas and had little connection to the places visitors were exploring. By shifting to a ‘Made in Scotland’ range, we’re reducing transport‑related emissions while strengthening the link between our sites and the communities around them.
The gift shop at Caerlaverock Castle was used as our pilot site for this new approach. A more local retail offer supports Scottish makers and producers, and keeps economic benefits within the local area. Our pilot in Dumfries and Galloway reaffirmed what visitors increasingly value: authentic, responsibly sourced products with a clear connection to place.
The Antonine Wall
The Antonine Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire, the ancient border of the Roman Empire. At the time it was built, in 140 AD, it ran across Scotland from the River Forth to the Clyde and was the Roman Empire's most northerly frontier. HES manages the site in partnership with five local councils.
From 2018 to 2023, the partners collaborated on the National Lottery-funded Rediscovering the Antonine Wall project which aimed to raise awareness and increase engagement among local communities and visitors.
Specific initiatives were co-developed with underrepresented groups in heritage, including communities living in areas of deprivation, refugees and asylum seekers, young people and older people with reduced mobility.
Community co-design was an integral part of the overall project, and the project won national awards (Scottish Thistle and Scottish Planning Innovation Awards) for community engagement.
Following the end of the project and responding to community and visitor feedback and demand, a Story Map was created in 2025 to enable visitors to walk the length of the wall or walk shorter routes.
The core principles of this project were accessibility and inclusion, community engagement, wellbeing and sustainable travel and they align with our work on Responsible Tourism.
Responsible tourism inspiration
Kilmartin Glen by bike
Kilmartin Glen is steeped in history. It’s a fascinating and beautiful place to explore by bike! Join us for a cycle through Kilmartin Glen.
Three famous routes to walk or cycle
Castle-bagging or history-hunting in Scotland? Get around on bike or on foot with these three epic routes.
Historic places near the National Cycle Network
Cycle to historic places near popular national cycle routes.
Castles you can reach from Glasgow without a car
Find out how to reach some amazing fortresses and strongholds by train, bus and bike from Glasgow.
