Iconic heritage attractions prepare to welcome visitors once again
Cairnpapple Hill, Seton Collegiate Church, Torphichen Preceptory and Trinity House will reopen to visitors from Wednesday 1 April, as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) kicks off the start of its spring/summer season.
Cairnpapple Hill is one of Scotland’s best-known prehistoric sites, with evidence of human activity on the hill dating back over 5,500 years. The site will be open from 10am to 4.30pm until Wednesday 30 September.
Seton Collegiate Church was a private place of worship in the 15th and 16th centuries for the local landowning Seaton family and was raided by English forces during Henry VIII’s wars of Rough Wooing against the Scots.
The site will be open from 10am to 4.30pm until Wednesday 30 September.
Founded in the 12th century, Torphichen Preceptory was the Scottish headquarters for Knights Hospitaller. In 1298, it was occupied by William Wallace during the Wars of Independence, which forced the order to withdraw from Scotland for a short period. The site will be open from 1pm to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday 4 April until Sunday 27 September.
Trinity House is an elegant Georgian building and was once the headquarters of the Incorporation of Mariners and Shipmasters. It is home to a collection of maritime treasures, including a Sir Henry Raeburn masterpiece painting of Admiral Adam Duncan. The site will be open for guided tours every Friday at 11am and 1pm from Friday 3 April.
Visitors will also benefit from increased access at Hailes Castle following the completion of essential conservation work, including being able to explore its Great Hall. Hailes is one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles, dating from the early 1200s.
Roger Curtis, Interim Director of Operations at HES, said: “It’s always exciting to welcome visitors to our wonderful historic sites over the spring and summer months. Whether revisiting a favourite spot or experiencing a new place for the first time, warmer weather offers a fantastic opportunity to get outside and explore Scotland’s historic environment.
“With many of our sites set within some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, our properties offer incredibly beautiful nature experiences too. From dramatic viewpoints to peaceful grounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
Visitors can find out more about sites reopening in their area and plan their visit at historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place. Please check the website for the latest information before travelling.
Entry to sites and daytime events is free for Historic Scotland members. Members can also collect History Hunt Cards, a series of seven cards looking at the various types of sites including fortresses, settlements, and towers, when they visit staffed sites. A full set can be exchanged for a pin badge only available through the Hunt.
For further information or to become a member visit: alittlehistory.scot.
