Tag: Castle of Light

Castle of Light ignites Scotland’s spirit with return to Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle will shine brighter than ever this winter as the UK’s largest annual projection show, Castle of Light, returns for a sixth year with an immersive experience inspired by the enchanting forces of fire and ice.

Transforming the iconic fortress into a stage of elemental wonder, this year’s spectacular after-dark walking trail fuses Scotland’s fierce spirit with its frozen beauty. Visitors are invited to step into a world where flame and frost collide as dazzling light and sound displays awaken the Castle’s stories born of volcanic fire and sculpted by the power of ice.

Running for seven weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates from Friday 21 November 2025 until Sunday 4 January 2026, Castle of Light: Fire and Ice promises to captivate audiences with extraordinary installations, interactive moments and atmospheric storytelling.

Guests will wander through a fortress of light and encounter mythical creatures, from a mighty dragon soaring across the night sky to the Ice Queen herself in the Great Hall.

Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the larger-than-life installations combine cutting-edge projection, striking soundscapes and creative artistry to deliver the boldest Castle of Light yet — a breathtaking spectacle on a scale unlike anything else in the UK.

Alastair Young, producer of Castle of Light, said: “As we enter our sixth year, we’re bringing an even bolder and brighter adventure to Edinburgh Castle.

“Castle of Light: Fire and Ice draws on the fire that forged this ancient rock and the ice that shaped its form to tell a captivating story of resilience, transformation and wonder. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve joined us before, this year’s show promises to be like nothing you’ve ever seen.”

Alongside the awe-inspiring tapestry of storytelling projections, visitors can enjoy a variety of drinks and small plates, toast marshmallows by the fire pit, and indulge in a mouth-watering selection of street food on the esplanade.

Kit Reid, Head of Experience at HES, which runs Edinburgh Castle, said: “Castle of Light has become a much-loved winter tradition, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

“Now in its sixth year, we’re getting ready to present a completely new show that highlights both the fiery origins and the icy resilience of Scotland’s most iconic landmark.

“Castle of Light: Fire and Ice will transform Edinburgh Castle into an unforgettable festive experience, creating magical memories for families, friends and visitors of all ages as they’re invited in to see Edinburgh Castle in a whole new light and take in the breathtaking views of the Edinburgh skyline after dark in all its festive splendour.”

Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm.

A special reduced-capacity ‘quiet night’ will also take place on Sunday 7 December, offering a calmer experience with softer lighting, lower sound levels and no smoke effects.

Adult early bird tickets cost £21.60 and are available until Tuesday 30 September (using the promo code: COLCM25 at checkout). Concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members are also available.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.com.

Advance booking required.

Castle of Light illuminates Edinburgh’s 900th anniversary with spectacular opening night

Locals and visitors from across the country helped kickstart the celebrations in the capital as Castle of Light, the interactive light trail at Edinburgh Castle, officially opened to the public.

This year, Castle of Light is helping to mark the city’s epic 900th anniversary with a showstopping celebration suitable for all ages. Getting the party started, pupils from the local Royal Mile Primary School joined Rex the lion on the esplanade to officially ‘switch on’ this year’s event for its seven-week run.

Electrifying Edinburgh’s iconic skyline for a fifth fantastic year, Castle of Light pulled out all the stops with an immersive after-dark trail, transforming the historic castle grounds with all-new light and sound displays celebrating 900 years of history and setting the festive season ablaze.

From mythical creatures to long-lost tales, visitors reveled in the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of some of Scotland’s most famous figures before dancing through the ages in Crown Square.

This year, the creators are also taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the lesser-known stories of Edinburgh’s trailblazing women, inspired by Edinburgh author, Sara Sheridan’s book ‘Where are the Women?’.

Illuminating the Lava Wall with stories of the tenacious women that history forgot, guests came face to face with figures spanning the 12th to the 21st century, including Scottish science pioneer Mary Sommerville, explorer, naturalist and photographer Isabella Bird, and Sophia Jex-Blake, one the ‘Edinburgh Seven’, with Sara joining the team on opening night to see her writing come to life on the Castle walls.

Emma Bowie, regional visitor & community manager at Edinburgh Castle, said: “Castle of Light has truly become a jewel in Edinburgh’s bustling winter schedule, and this year’s celebration is particularly special as we mark the city’s 900th anniversary.

“This year’s event is all about bringing people together to revel in the capital’s incredible history as it comes to life on the castle walls. From uncovering the inspiring stories of Edinburgh’s trailblazing women to soaking in the vibrant energy in Crown Square, Castle of Light showcases the incredible depth of Scotland’s past while creating unforgettable memories for the present. It’s a spectacular way to celebrate this milestone year with family and friends this festive season.”

Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light will run for seven weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates until Saturday 4 January 2025. A special access night will also take place on Sunday 8 December.

Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot. Advance booking required. Concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members are also available.

Castle of Light and Christmas at The Botanics: CANCELLED TONIGHT

Important information ❗

📆Saturday 23 November

We are sorry to advise that due to adverse weather and with the health and safety of all visitors and staff in mind, Castle of Light has been cancelled tonight, Saturday 23 November.

Your tickets can be used at your original booked timeslot on any of our remaining event dates, which can be found on our website. You do not need to get in touch, just show your tickets when you arrive for your timeslot and our castle team will be able to help.

We are sorry for the inconvenience caused but we hope to welcome you to the event at a later date✨

Due to extreme weather #ChristmasAtTheBotanics is closed today, Saturday 23 November. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.  

Today’s ticket holders will be contacted shortly by Ticketekand informed of the re-booking process.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

@TheBotanics

Castle of Light illuminates Edinburgh’s night sky

NEW STORYTELLING PROJECTIONS UNVEILED AT EDINBURGH CASTLE

The capital’s enchanting atmosphere was kicked up a notch this weekend as Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery officially opened to the public, welcoming visitors from across the country to experience the interactive light trail at Edinburgh Castle during a sell-out opening weekend.

Greeted with captivating tales and intriguing stories, this year’s brand-new show focuses on the magic, mystery and spectacular sorcery from Scotland’s past. With myths and legends, from fortune-telling runes and Tarot readings to the inner workings of the Portcullis Gate depicted through immersive light and sound displays, the winter spectacular wowed, conjuring a charming start to the festive season.

Officially opening this year’s event for its six-week run, local resident Andew Neilson joined the team behind Castle of Light to ‘switch-on’ the unique after-dark trail, after securing the coveted opportunity to light up the skyline as a winner of the Castle of Light mystery ticket trail which took place in the run up to the event.  

In keeping with this year’s theme of ‘Magic and Mystery’, Castle of Light partnered with local attractions and venues to create a mysterious trail around the city, with the chance to win tickets along the way.

Andrew was travelling on a Lothian bus into the city when he saw the clues posted on social media and identified the world-renowned tapestry studio, Dovecot Studios, as one of the venues hiding a magic card.

He said: “I happened to be scrolling on social media and came across the mystery ticket trail, it was then I put the clues together and realised that the magic card was hidden in Dovecot Studios – and my bus was just around the corner. I hopped off the bus and managed to find one of the winning magic cards!

“It was truly special to be involved in lighting up Edinburgh’s iconic castle. People from all over the world celebrate Christmas and Hogmanay in Edinburgh with the castle at the centre of the celebrations. Cheers to a brilliant festive season!”

Now in its fourth year, Castle of Light is brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland and further afield, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland.

With 8,000 visitors attending during opening weekend to experience the spellbinding installations, Castle of Light is set to bring magic to locals and visitors alike throughout the festive season.

Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which cares for Edinburgh Castle, said: “The festive period is all about magic, joy and wonder and we wanted to bring this to life through Castle of Light.

“Now in our fourth year, it’s important for us to keep the show fresh so that locals and visitors alike can be transported into a world of wonder as a tapestry of all-new storytelling projections dance across the castle walls. And Andrew did a tremendous job in helping us build excitement and anticipation at the switch-on for the six week event run ahead.

“Celebrating Scotland’s rich heritage by inviting visitors to step into a history lesson like no other, from reawakening William Wallace and King Robert the Bruce, to exploring the lesser-known parts of the Castle, Castle of Light is a magical evening for all ages and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors this year.”

Castle of Light will light up the city’s skyline for six weeks throughout the festive season on select dates, until Wednesday 3 January 2024.

Tickets are available to purchase now (adult tickets: £22), with concession rates, family tickets and Historic Scotland members’ discounts available. Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm.

Tickets for an ‘access night’ on Sunday 3 December are also available. Designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia, the evening will feature a range of specific support including British Sign Language interpretation, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise, in partnership with Scottish Autism.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot.

Advance booking required.

Castle of Light: Scotland’s mythical past set to light up city skyline

The creative team behind Castle of Light has revealed a first look at this year’s ‘Magic and Mystery’ themed interactive light trail at Edinburgh Castle, as the countdown to the winter spectacular begins.

Edinburgh’s most iconic landmark will once again welcome locals and visitors alike to experience an immersive after-dark walking trail – with this year’s brand new show focused on tales of magic, mystery and spectacular sorcery from Scotland’s past.

With opening weekend just five weeks away, local children, Lucas and Isla Brown, were invited to the Castle to experience an exclusive glimpse at the enchanting light and sound displays.

Andy McGregor, creative director of Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery, working alongside NL Productions, War Productions Ltd and Double Take Projections, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), explains: “This year, we’ll be transporting visitors in time through a mix of large-scale projections and lighting installations to explore Scotland as a place of legend, storytelling and unrivalled mystery.

“Like the experimental alchemists of the 16th century, we use magical tools from our digital era to transport the audience, transform the castle and bring stone to life. Let immersive installations guide you through Scotland’s colourful past as a tapestry of all-new projections animate the castle walls.

“An enchanting experience for all ages, this year’s show brings together a mix of fantastic interactive elements including a digital wall of mirrors, a stunning wall of wands and the opportunity to meet Castle of Light’s much-loved lion mascot, Rex, all whilst savouring what has to be the finest view in town from the castle ramparts.”

On-site catering will be available throughout the event run conjuring up a delectable range of treats, with exclusive Castle of Light cocktails, including the Smoking One O’clock Gun, Edinburgh Gincantation and a Blood Moon Mocktail also available.

Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which cares for Edinburgh Castle, said: “Crowned for having the best Christmas markets in Europe, Edinburgh already enjoys an exemplary reputation as the ultimate festive city break destination; and Castle of Light truly is a jewel in the city’s skyline.

“Now in its fourth year, Castle of Light has continued to bring even bigger and brighter state-of-the-art projections to the fore and 2023 is no different – we’re bringing the magic of Scotland’s past to life! And we can’t wait to welcome both new and returning visitors to the Castle.”

Castle of Light: Magic and Mystery will run for six weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates from Friday 24 November 2023 to Wednesday 3 January 2024. Tickets are available to purchase now (adult tickets: £22), with concession rates, family tickets and Historic Scotland members’ discounts available.

A special ‘access night’ will also take place on Sunday 3 December designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia. The evening will feature a range of specific support including British Sign Language interpretation, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise, in partnership with Scottish Autism.

Stephen continued: “We believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to experience the excitement of Scotland’s heritage, and so we’ve teamed up with experts to make Castle of Light as accessible and enjoyable for all.

“Castle of Light is a great opportunity to get together with family and friends and experience a magical night at the castle and we hope that by addressing specific access needs, we can welcome even more guests into Edinburgh Castle as it is illuminated with secrets of Scotland’s past.”

Magic and mystery to be unveiled at Edinburgh Castle this winter, as Castle of Light returns to the capital

Tales of magic, mystery and spectacular sorcery are set to storm the capital this winter, as Castle of Light conjures a charming start to the festive season.

Returning to transform the city’s skyline for a fourth fantastic year, Castle of Light promises to bring even more unmissable moments to Edinburgh Castle as the iconic landmark is illuminated with extraordinary light and sounds displays.

An enchanting experience for all ages, guests can uncover the secrets of Scotland’s past in the unique after-dark walking trail as a tapestry of all-new storytelling projections dance across the castle walls.

Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, the larger-than-life installations are set to bring magic to locals and visitors alike throughout the festive season.

Andy McGregor, creative director of Castle of Light, said: “As Edinburgh’s summer season draws to a close and the darker evenings begin to creep in, the countdown to this year’s Castle of Light event can officially begin.

“This year’s theme of ‘Magic and Mystery’ allows us to bring tales from years gone by back to life through spectacular displays of visual ‘sorcery’ designed to brighten up the winter months. This year’s immersive trail will include interactive elements and unique experiences which truly bring the magic of Scotland’s history alive.”

A limited run of discounted early bird tickets will be available until midnight on Saturday 30 September for the popular light trail. Running for six weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates from Friday 24 November 2023 to Wednesday 3 January 2024, let immersive illuminations and enchanting installations guide you through the castle grounds in a sea of twinkling lights and colourful displays, with help from Rex, the beloved lion.

Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm. Visitors can also enjoy bespoke offerings from a variety of local vendors who will be on site throughout the event run.

Adult early bird tickets cost £19.80 (using the promo code: COLSM23 at checkout). Concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members are also available.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot. Advance booking required.

Castle of Light returns to the capital this winter with new illuminated trail

The colourful kaleidoscope theme for the 2022 event teased as special early bird tickets go on sale

Edinburgh Castle will transform into a ‘Kingdom of Colours’ this winter as the capital’s most iconic landmark is illuminated with state-of-the-art projections to highlight stories from Scotland’s history.

Guests can expect a truly immersive experience as Edinburgh Castle is brought to life once again through spectacular light and sound displays to brighten up the darker months.

Joining forces for a third year, Double Take Projections, NL Productions, Andy McGregor and War Productions Ltd, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, are back with an “all new for 2022” trail, creating another unmissable event in Edinburgh. Back by popular demand is the beloved Rex the lion rampant who will guide guests through colourful thematic zones during the 60-minute walking tour.  

Early bird tickets are available until midnight on Friday 7 October for the world-class light trail running for six weeks over the festive period, Friday 18 November to Friday 30 December 2022 (select dates). A magical experience for people of all ages, the event will also have a fantastic selection of food and drink available for visitors as they make their way through the castle grounds.

Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm. Adult early bird tickets cost £18 (using the promo code: COLSM22), with concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members also available.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot. 

Happy New Year from Castle of Light

In the absence of the roar of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay street party, Rex, the lovable lion rampant, has taken centre stage to wish everyone a Happy New Year on behalf of Castle of Light.

Rex is on the decks playing a short set from the Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures’ finale scene, including samples from some of the recent treasured music acts that have played at the Edinburgh Castle esplanade, such as Blondie, Simply Red and The Proclaimers, in a megamix fit for bringing in the bells.

With just a few dates remaining to experience the outdoor illuminated trail, find out more and get your tickets at CastleofLight.scot.

Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures continues on 7, 8 and 9 January 2022.

Castle of Light set to illuminate Edinburgh

Interactive event launches tonight

Edinburgh Castle will welcome visitors after dark to experience the wonder of Castle of Light as the immersive experience officially opens to the public this evening (19 November).

Guests were treated to a sneak peek of what’s in store at this year’s event at a preview evening last night, where Paul Marshall from Portobello had the honour of switching on Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures for the first time.

Promising to uncover incredible tales, old and new, Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures brings Scotland’s lesser-known stories to life with the use of stunning visuals, state-of-the-art projections and captivating storytelling.

Following a national hunt for Castle of Light’s own ‘wee treasure’, 21-year-old Paul Marshall was selected as the deserving winner chosen to switch on this year’s event after tallying up an astonishing 199 individual nominations in his name.

Paul, who has one of the rarest brain diseases in the world which has left him partially sighted and with learning difficulties, was nominated by locals, family and friends as a ‘wee treasure’ due to his winning personality and devotion to helping others.

One anonymous nomination, submitted to Edinburgh Castle as part of the Wee Treasure search, noted: “Paul brings a smile to the whole community, he’s the bright light in everyone’s day. When he was a year old, his mum was told that he would never walk or talk due to his rare brain disease.

‘Despite this, he has beaten all the odds and spreads love and happiness wherever he goes. No job is too small for him to help with. He didn’t miss a night during clap for carers and always has the biggest smile on his face. He truly is a wee treasure.”

During lockdown, Paul became a familiar presence in the community as he cheered on the UK’s key workers on a Thursday evening from his front door.

He became such a cheerful and welcoming part of the Edinburgh landscape during this difficult time that the bus drivers in the city gave him his own Lothian Buses jacket on his birthday to thank him for his support.

He also received hundreds of cards from people in the community to help him celebrate his 21st.

Castle of Light’s creative director Andy McGregor, who is working alongside Double Take Projections, NL Productions and War Productions Ltd, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, on this year’s event, said: “As Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures is all about putting a spotlight on the lesser-known stories from Scotland’s past, we wanted to find other unique stories about the special people who make up our country today. And we knew there would be some gems right on our doorstep.

“We were overwhelmed by nominations for Paul, who is clearly a shining star in the community. We can’t think of a more deserving person to help us light up the city with Castle of Light – just as Paul has done in his own local area with his unwavering support and joyful spirit.”

Castle of Light: Hidden Treasures brings light, legend, mystery and magic to the capital for eight weeks through the festive season, from Friday 19 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022 (on select dates, Thursday – Sunday).

A selection of street food vendors, including Hector and Harriet, specialising in artisan blend barista coffee and unique home baked goods, the Prime Street Food wagon boasting restaurant quality bites and The Haggis Box, serving up traditional Scottish scran, will also be onsite to ensure visitors can spend the full evening exploring Edinburgh Castle’s grounds.

Caterers Benugo will also be found serving food and drink outside the castle’s Redcoat Café, alongside an Edinburgh Gin cocktail bar serving mixed drinks, with bottles of Edinburgh Castle Gin available to purchase. Various other retail pop-ups will be open exclusively to Castle of Light visitors, with over 18s welcome to visit the Whisky and Finest Foods shop for free samples, including a taste of the delicious Magnum Scotch whisky cream liqueur.

Tickets are also available for an ‘Access’ night taking place on Thursday 25 November, designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia.

To ensure that as many people as possible can experience the animated storytelling tour, the evening will feature a range of specific support, including British Sign Language interpretation and audio described tours, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit CastleofLight.scot. 

First look at Castle of Light as the interactive show prepares for its return to the capital this winter

Tickets on sale now

The creative team behind Castle of Light has unveiled a first look at this year’s mesmerising sensory show, as general tickets go on sale. 

Celebrating ‘hidden treasures’, the 2021 show is set to put a spotlight on the lesser-known stories from Scotland’s past. Projections unveiled today tease the re-discovery of the Honours of Scotland, the return of Rex the lovable lion rampant and a first look at some of the secrets of St. Margaret, and the treasures within her chapel, ahead of the show launch in November.

10-year-old Robert Lauder, from Balerno, took to the grounds of Edinburgh Castle after-dark for a first glimpse of the light spectacular.

Tasked with uncovering stories, old and new, Castle of Light promises to bring tales to life with the use of stunning visuals, state-of-the-art projections and captivating storytelling. 

Creative Director Andy McGregor, who is working alongside Double Take Projections, NL Productions and War Productions Ltd, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, on this year’s event, said: “We are hugely excited to be back with a new show for 2021. The fact that we couldn’t make it last year has given us 2 years to develop HIDDEN TREASURES and we truly believe it will be worth the wait. 

“There will be new takes on popular family features plus a whole lot more in the way of legend, light and sparkle – all inspired by the lesser known stories of this incredible site. Edinburgh Castle is a magical place at any time but a visit by night with over a dozen unique light and sound experiences to enjoy really makes it Scotland’s unmissable winter experience.”

Heather Soutar, Head of Commercial Development at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which operates Edinburgh Castle, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back Castle of Light this year, especially following the success of our last event in 2019. 

“This year, we are inviting visitors to explore Scotland’s untold history as we take them on a journey using state-of-the-art projections at Edinburgh’s iconic landmark. Prepare to be amazed by the biggest light experience the capital has to offer, we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”

Edinburgh Castle will be home to the immersive walking tour for eight weeks throughout the festive season, from Friday 19 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022.  Tickets are on sale now. 

Tickets are also available for an ‘Access’ night taking place on Thursday 25 November, designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia.

Ensuring as many people as possible can experience the animated storytelling tour, the evening will feature a range of specific support, including British Sign Language interpretation and audio described tours, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise.

Adult tickets cost £20, with concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members available. For more information and to get your tickets, visit CastleofLight.scot.