Scotland's Year of Stories

Turn the page to 2022…

and celebrate Scotland’s Year of Stories with us through tales, books, music, poetry and legends. From our sites on screen to the most iconic stories from our castles, abbeys and standing stones, we are excited to rediscover and explore Scotland’s stories throughout the year.

Spectacular Stories

Get ready for tremendous tales from our sites and get excited with our staff members for a new themed year!

Mara Menzies running a story telling session in the grounds of Craigmillar Castle

If These Walls Could Talk

Our new prize draw is calling all young storytellers aged 8-12 to submit their story about one of our sites and be in with a chance to win some amazing prizes.

Get involved

Blackness Castle covered in snow with the Forth Bridges in the background

Historic Film Stars

What do Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace & Glasgow Cathedral have in common? They all make a fantastic backdrop. Which other Historic sites have you spotted on the small or big screen?

As seen on screen

Illustration of Stirling Castle with a catapult being fired, a lion, unicorn and a piper among other illustrated characters are pictured

Stirling Castle for Kids

You can now pre-order this fun filled book. Discover castle secrets, enjoy activities such as doodling or spot the difference and meet the most famous residents of this mighty stronghold.

Pre-order now

Sunset at the Ring of Brodgar standing stones

Stories. Tales. Legends.

Working for HES has always inspired a love and appreciation for storytelling. We asked a few of our staff to tell us their stories from Scotland’s history, historic sites or the historic environment.

Hear their stories

Various books about Scotland standing on a shelf

Read through 2022!

We are celebrating the written word over on our online shop with a range of stories that shaped or were shaped by Scotland’s stories, tales and legends.

Shop now

One person holding their hand up to their ear and one person at a loch side holding their hand up to their face

Inspired by the past

Listen in to storytellers Mara Menzies and Gauri Raje as they each share tales of place and belonging. Then let the words of author Maisie Chan draw you into the world of a young Mary Queen of Scots.

Be inspired by the past

There's more to tell...

on our blog featuring most loved stories from the past and previously untold narratives surrounding Scotland’s heritage.

Read our blog