One of our roles is to conserve the historic places in our care, which include both prehistoric and historic monuments, as well as associated collections.
A variety of local and small-scale community events take place at these historic sites. When considering every type of event at a Property in Care (PIC), we may refuse permission if we consider the event may:
- pose safety risks
- damage the historic site or its amenities
- disturb the public in their enjoyment of the PIC
We never permit anything which has the potential to affect the historic fabric or archaeology of a historic place.
We do not usually permit:
- anything that has the potential to affect the historic fabric or archaeology of the monument
- pyrotechnics
- naked flames (such as candles or burning torches)
- soliciting donations from visitors on site
- balloon releases
- catering
- marquees or temporary structures
- activities or events of a political nature
Occasionally, we’ll facilitate royal, military or ministerial activities at particular sites. As a public body, we are unable to accommodate requests for activities of a political nature. Find out more about our role as a public body and how we manage the estate.
A large number of places we care for are scheduled monuments which means they would require additional consent for some event activities.
If you have a particular historic site in mind, you can identify whether it is a scheduled monument by searching our Historic Environment Portal.
Filming or photography that is part of your proposed event will also require permission:
- apply for filming and photography permissions
- apply for UAV (drone) filming or photography permissions
Site exceptions
Some PICs have different application processes for events, including community events:
Edinburgh Castle
Email: functions@hes.scot
Phone: 0131 225 9846
Stirling Castle
Email: functions@hes.scot
Phone: 01786 431338
Urqhuart Castle
Email: functions@hes.scot
Phone: 01456 450551
Holyrood Park and Linlithgow Peel
Email: rangers@hes.scot
Phone: 0131 652 8150
Due to the nature of these sites, such as the volume of visitors, we recommend you contact them directly for information on how to apply for permission to hold an event.