Edinburgh Castle is set to shine tomorrow (Friday 21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice for its opening evening.
24 year old Scotland international player Currie, now a rising star for Edinburgh Rugby, and 28 year old Scotland national player Ferrie, who made her Scotland debut in this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations, will kick off an evening of magic, myth and mesmerizing light as Castle of Light returns to illuminate the city’s skyline.
Now in its sixth year, the dazzling after-dark experience will run on select evenings from Friday 21 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, promising dramatic projections, immersive soundscapes and fantastical installations, all set against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks.
Drawing inspiration from the primal forces of fire and ice, visitors will encounter mythical creatures from a dragon soaring over the ramparts to the Ice Queen herself in the Great Hall, as the Castle’s stories — shaped by volcanic fire and icy resilience — come alive like never before.
Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light seamlessly blends cutting-edge creativity with centuries of history, making it a must-see highlight in Edinburgh’s festive calendar.
Limited tickets remain for the opening weekend and peak festive nights throughout the event run.
Aerial condition check of one of the world’s most well-known medieval cannons shows that she is still being well-conserved
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), working with conservators from AOC Archaeology and the Royal Armouries, has undertaken a condition check of the extensive conservation works that Mons Meg underwent ten years ago.
Mons Meg is one of the biggest cannons ever built and was gifted to James II in 1457. She retired from service around 100 years later, in 1550, and fired her last shot in 1680 to mark a visit to Edinburgh by James Duke of York.
Mons Meg is now part of the Royal Armouries collection and, as part of the UK’s National Collection of Arms and Armour, she spent 75 years on display in England before returning to Edinburgh Castle for visitors to enjoy.
In 2015, Mons Meg underwent extensive conservation works by HES and AOC Archaeology. The paint that had built up on the iron was carefully removed by blasting it with ground-up military buttons, and the soft plastic removed the paint layers but caused no damage to the metal below.
Skilled painters at HES then re-painted her to protect her from corrosion and the elements, while making sure she still looked her best.
Ten years later, this unique cannon was gently lifted into the air so conservators could assess whether the conservation work was holding up as expected. The paint that was put in place is expected to last 20 years, and the check conducted this spring confirms that it is holding up well.
Chloe Allan, Regional Collections Manager at HES, said: “We were pleased to find that Mons Meg is still doing well, and that the system we put in place ten years ago is faring as expected.
“It’s an honour to look after such an important part of Scotland’s history. We carry out an annual condition check of Mons Meg but lifting the 6-tonne cannon is no easy task, so we’re happy to see that she won’t need another full 360° check of this kind for five years.”
10-year-old Brooke enjoyed an exclusive tour from Castle of Light’s enchanting Ice Queen this week, catching a first glimpse at the dazzling displays set to transform Edinburgh Castle after dark as the UK’s largest annual projection show prepares to open later this month.
Illuminating the capital’s skyline for a sixth year, Castle of Light: Fire and Ice promises to captivate audiences with extraordinary installations, interactive moments and atmospheric storytelling, with an all-new show inspired by the elemental forces of fire and ice.
Running for seven weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates from Friday 21 November 2025 until Sunday 4 January 2026, guests will journey 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.
In celebration of St Andrew’s Day, a special £10 ticket offer will be available to all visitors attending on Sunday 30 November making it the perfect opportunity to experience the after-dark spectacular.
Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light continues to be a must-see for locals and visitors alike in the city’s packed festive schedule, blending cutting-edge creativity with centuries of Scottish heritage.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) welcomed more than 600 young people across Scotland as they took part in Heritage Careers Week 2025.
The festival of career events returned for its second year to spotlight opportunities in the heritage sector.
HES, in partnership with organisations across the sector, celebrated Heritage Careers Week from Monday 27 to Friday 31 October.
The programme featured a mix of online and in-person events across the country, showcasing the wide variety of careers and employers in the sector – from conservation and archaeology to digital innovation and traditional crafts.
Highlights from the week included a careers fair at Edinburgh Castle, which welcomed over 100 attendees, and a hands-on skills taster day at The Engine Shed in Stirling, where 65 school pupils engaged directly with traditional craft experts.
Caerlaverock Castle also hosted a live skills demonstration, giving young people in Dumfries and Galloway the chance to see heritage skills in action.
As a hub of digital innovation and heritage science, HES’s dedicated building conservation centre The Engine Shed hosted the skills taster event with schools from across the Forth Valley.
In collaboration with more than 20 Scottish employers and Developing the Young Workforce, 65 young people had the opportunity to immerse themselves in interactive demonstrations including heritage science, thatching, blacksmithing, digital skills and stained glass.
Catherine Cartmell, Skills Investment Plan Manager at HES, said: “Heritage Careers Week helps people discover the diverse range of jobs available in Scotland’s heritage sector. These events give young people and adults a chance to get hands-on, meet the experts, and see how traditional skills continue to shape Scotland today.
“We’re facing a real shortage of these skills, but we hope this week’s activities will inspire the next generation to explore careers in the industry and keep these vital skills alive for years to come.
“History will soon be in the hands of the next generation.”
Heritage skills are essential in future-proofing Scotland’s historic sites and, in response to sector-wide skills shortages, events like The Engine Shed skills taster day aim to spark interest among young people and encourage them to consider a career in traditional skills.
Leona Hepburn, Principal Teacher for Positive Destinations and Transitions at Falkirk High School, said: “Events like these give the pupils hands-on experience so that they can have a go at different trades, bringing the subjects to life.
“It’s really important that events like these continue and we get more of them, because they build the picture for young people; it makes them see the jobs that are real and tangible, and not just the classroom environment.
“The young people are always buzzing afterwards! They come away and they’ve had a completely different experience to what they would in the classroom, in a safe and controlled environment. The whole event is just a lovely way to see young people grow and flourish.”
For information on how to get involved with Historic Environment Scotland’s upcoming training and skills opportunities, please visit:
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.
Edinburgh City Centre is likely to be very busy on tomorrow (Thursday, 21 August) due to several events taking place.
Alongside the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe Festival, AC/DC will perform Murrayfield Stadium and Hibernian FC will play Legia Warszawa.
Divisional Commander for Edinburgh, Chief Superintendent David Robertson, said: “With multiple events on in Edinburgh on Thursday, locals and visitors are advised to leave plenty of time to travel around the city.
“Transport is likely to be busier than normal so please plan your journeys in advance.
“An appropriate policing plan is in place and additional officers will be on patrol in the city.”
DUKE AND DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH COMMEMORATE VJ DAY 80
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were among a host of dignitaries and special guests who laid wreaths to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day yesterday (Friday).
Held within the Scottish National War Memorial, the Duke and Duchess attended the special service, organised by the Royal British Legion Scotland and led by Reverend Dr Karen Campbell, and were joined by the Rt. Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Veterans, Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, National President, Royal British Legion Scotland, Colonel Patrick O’Meara QAM, Poppyscotland, Elaine Edwards, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Sue Raw, War Widows Association, among others.
As well as paying homage to those who lost their lives during the war, those in attendance heard the stories of World War II veterans Bill Ramage, Whitson Johnston and Jack Ransom, all of whom have since sadly died.
The trio had previously spoken about that day on 15 August, 1945, when Japan announced its surrender to the Allied forces and how it was met with relief and celebration that after six long years the war was finally over.
Also present at the event was Jenny Martin, whose mother was pregnant when she was captured by the Japanese in the fall of Singapore in 1942, and was born a Far East prisoner of war spending the first three years of her life in captivity.
Charmaine McMeekin, the daughter of British Army Officer and author of The Railway Man, Eric Lomax, and Nigel Robb, the son of Flt Sgt George Deuchar Robb from the 117 Sqn RAF, who flew Bristol Beaufighters in India were also in attendance.
Music was performed by the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Edinburgh Voices choir and Piper, Ronan Gilchrist.
Dr Claire Armstrong, OBE, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It’s hugely important that we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, a day that marked the end of six years of world war.
“We were honoured to have Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh in attendance, as well as World War II veterans and their families, especially in such a historic setting as the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle.
“We hope others stop and take a moment of reflection today to remember the importance of VJ Day 80 years on.”
VJ Day 80 celebrations will include flypasts, music and commemorations across the globe
The Armed Forces will lead the nation in marking the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day 80) with a series of spectacular ceremonies next week.
The military contribution to the commemorations will include:
Flypasts, musicians and a guard of honour at the Royal British Legion’s national commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum
A sunset ceremony and lightshow recognising the contribution of the Commonwealth to the Second World War on the eve of VJ Day
Performances by military bagpipers at dawn on VJ Day to mark 80 years since peace was restored to the Far East
A service of remembrance on board the flight deck of aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, as the UK Carrier Strike Group continues its deployment to the Indo-Pacific
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “The bravery and sacrifice of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Armed Forces during the Second World War continue to inspire us today.
“The nation will come together on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day to thank those who served and remember those who died.
Our UK Armed Forces today continue the legacy of the Greatest Generation – protecting the peace they secured through their courage and commitment across the world.”
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: “The Armed Forces are proud to be at the heart of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day this month.
“The service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation continues to inspire the men and women of today’s Armed Forces.
“The alliances and partnerships forged during the Second World War – in NATO, the Commonwealth and in the Far East – still keep us safe today.”
Around 400 members of the Armed Forces will pay tribute to Second World War veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum for the national commemorative event hosted by the Royal British Legion (15 August).
The national event in Staffordshire will include a guard of honour of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force and flypasts by the Red Arrows and The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The historic Second World War-era aircraft appearing during the ceremony will include The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster.
Gurkhas from the British Army’s Brigade of Gurkhas will also form part of the guard of honour in recognition of the contribution of 120,000 Gurkha soldiers during the Second World War, particularly in Malaya, Burma and Singapore.
The VJ Day 80 commemorations will begin on the evening of 14 August with a spectacular sunset ceremony at the Memorial Gates in London to pay tribute to Commonwealth personnel who served and died in the Far East.
An emotive lightshow projected on to the Memorial Gates, using images and stories from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s digital story-sharing platform For Evermore, will tell the story of people from around the world who served in support of the allies during the Far East campaign.
Lord Boateng, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Council, will lay a wreath on behalf of HM The King during the ceremony.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Torch for Peace will be lit to close the ceremony, in a reminder of our shared commitment to peace and security.
The Ministry of Defence will also lead a moment of reflection at The Cenotaph, the United Kingdom’s national monument to UK and Commonwealth personnel who died in the world wars.
At dawn on VJ Day itself, military bagpipers will perform the lament Battle’s O’er at The Cenotaph, in the Far East section of the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, and at Edinburgh Castle.
The dawn lament will coincide with a remembrance moment at a Japanese peace garden to reflect the reconciliation which has taken place between the UK and Japan in the decades since the Second World War.
The simultaneous performances will be broadcast live in the UK at dawn as the nation gathers to mark 80 years of peace in the Far East and remember those who died during the campaign.
They will be joined in unison by military pipers performing in key locations around the world to recognise the contribution of communities across the Indo-Pacific to the Second World War, including on board HMS Prince of Wales, at sea in the Far East.
This includes performances by UK Armed Forces pipers in Japan, Nepal, Brunei and New Zealand.
The ship’s company of HMS Prince of Wales will hold a short service of remembrance on board the aircraft carrier’s flight deck, led by a Royal Navy chaplain and including a minute’s silence.
The aircraft carrier is currently leading the UK Carrier Strike Group on deployment to the Far East, where the flagship is leading a convoy of 12 allies to demonstrate their operational capability, bolster the UK’s commitment to NATO and to protect peace and prosperity in the region.
Armed Forces personnel on duty in the UK and on operations and exercises around the world will pause to mark the anniversary, remembering those who died and thanking veterans of the Second World War for their service.
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.
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.
Saturday 23 November
