HISTORIC Environment Scotland (HES) has announced their seasonal programme for 2023, with the reopening of over twenty sites across the country and increased offerings at popular attractions.
On 6 April, Kildrummy Castle will be welcoming visitors once more. Known as ‘the noblest of northern castles’, Kildrummy Castle is a breath-taking view even as a ruin, with a sprawling foundation set against the dramatic backdrop of the Black Den, a deep ravine.
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Tolquhon Castle will also open this April, offering visitors the chance to be dazzled by the exquisite gatehouse that impresses even modern viewers. Tolquhon is one of Grampian’s most picturesque castles, and visitors can explore the family rooms and go ‘below stairs’ in the main house of the castle.
In May, Corgarff Castle will open. Standing in the Cairngorms National Park, the Castle’s surroundings illuminate the beauty of Scotland’s heritage, while the castle itself offers two very different tales. Corgarff was originally built as a noble residence, but later became an army base for hunting down Jacobite sympathisers and, later, whisky smugglers.
Other local seasonal attractions, which incorporate some of Scotland’s most iconic sites, will also open their doors once more, with other year-round sites reopening to visitors following a prioritised programme of works in the face of accelerating climate change.
Whether it is a high-tech experience at Stanley Mills to explore the interactive stories of the Industrial Revolution, learning about Pictish history at the Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum and the St Vigeans Stones and Museum, or visiting well-preserved monastic buildings at Inchcolm Abbey, attractions for every age group will be available this summer.
Several sites will also re-open this spring following high-level masonry inspections. Access restrictions were put in place at a number of sites last year as a safety precaution while HES introduced new measures to manage the impact of climate change on its heritage assets. Whilst this is not an issue unique to Scotland, HES is one of the first to proactively tackle it. Some sites that will be welcoming visitors following their inspections include Lochleven Castle, Dundrennan Abbey, and Aberdour Castle.
Craig Mearns, Director of Operations at HES, said:
“We are thrilled to be able to welcome visitors to so many of our historic sites this season, with members of the public being able to explore much-loved heritage attractions across the country.
“We hope as many people as possible explore Scotland’s world-famous historic environment this spring. From castles, palaces and abbeys to museums, brochs and towers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Some partial restrictions may remain in place at some sites while the high-level masonry programme is ongoing. Booking in advance is recommended at all ticketed sites. Information about individual sites, including opening dates and times, can be found at historyawaits.scot.
