Season starts early for family days out

Spring is coming early this year as over 30 historic sites across Scotland prepare to open their doors to the public once again. In Edinburgh and the Lothians, prehistoric Cairnpapple Hill (pictured), the lordly residence of Crichton Castle, and Torphichen Preceptory, a medieval religious building with links to William Wallace, will open their doors on 25^th March, just in time for the Easter weekend.

Historic Environment Scotland has recruited 50 new and seasonal staff across the country, now in post and ready to welcome visitors. Meanwhile, some sites in the Lothians have recently had new interpretation panels installed, giving visitors fresh insights into the stories of these iconic sites. At Blackness Castle, the new suite of panels includes stunning digital reconstruction illustrations showing the great hall and bustling courtyard as they might have looked in the castle’s heyday.

Susan Loch, Head of Visitor Operations and Community Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland said, “These cherished local sites range from castles to churches, and from prehistoric forts to atmospheric ruins. They are steeped in stories, and visiting them helps bring the Scotland’s fascinating history to life. We’ve got all sorts of resources to help people understand and enjoy these places, from recently refreshed interpretation panels at many sites to our free visitor app, which helps visitors build their own historic itinerary.

“There’s never been a better time to get involved with the history and heritage of your local area – why not see how many historic sites your family can visit this year!”

You can also become a Historic Scotland¹ member, which gets you entry to over 70 historic places across the country as well as to our daytime events.

Historic attractions in Edinburgh and Lothians re-opening on 25^th March include:

• Cairnpapple Hill – a burial site dating to 3,000BC
• Crichton Castle – the Lordly residence of the Crichton’s and later home to the Earls of Bothwell
• Seton Collegiate Church – an ecclesiastical kirk in wooded surroundings
• Torphichen Preceptory – Tower and transepts of a church built by the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St John of Jerusalem.

For further information on opening hours, access and locations, visit: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk