Historic Environment Scotland is marking a summer of sport with a talk exploring Scotland’s sporting heritage
With Scotland enjoying the Commonwealth Games and World Cup this summer, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is celebrating the nation’s sporting heritage with a special talk exploring its archive collections.
A Summer of Sport will talk through historic sporting photography and will show the development of Edinburgh and Glasgow as host cities for the Commonwealth Games.
It will also examine how Scotland’s stadiums grew to host world record attendances and spotlight some of the nation’s star performers from the past. Accompanying original material will be on display before and after the talk.
Neil Fraser, Public Services Manager at HES, who will lead the talk, said: “Scotland has such a rich sporting past, and it is there to uncover if you know where to look.
“Through my talk, I am looking forward to exploring Scotland’s sporting history with people who are just as passionate about this history as we are here in HES’s archive team. The archives offer a fascinating insight into the people, places and moments that have shaped Scotland’s sporting story.”
A Summer of Sport will take place on Monday 27 July at 2pm at John Sinclair House, 16 Bernard Terrace Edinburgh EH8 9NX.
Acclaimed National Theatre of Scotland show Through the Shortbread Tin returns for 2026, opening at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, before touring to historic settings across Scotland in September 2026
The production will be presented in historical locations: Glasgow Cathedral, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle (Visitor Centre) in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland from Thursday 3 September to Saturday 19 September 2026.
Written and performed by Martin O’Connor, the show is a poetic and playful show, performed in Scots with Gaelic songs, which explores Scottish culture, myths, history and identity.
In this remounted production, directed by Joanna Bowman, O’Connor is joined on stage by Gaelic singers Josie Duncan, Iona Mairead and Mairi McGillivray.
The show originally toured in 2025, garnering critical acclaim and award nominations.
Through the Shortbread Tin opens at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Friday 7 August, presented as part of the Made in Scotland showcase, running until the 31 August at 4:45pm.
Full dates below.
Through the Shortbread Tin – Photo credit Eoin Carey
National Theatre of Scotland in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland presents
Through the Shortbread Tin
Written and performed by Martin O’Connor
Remount directed by Joanna Bowman Original production directed by Lu Kemp
With Josie Duncan, Iona Mairead and Mairi McGillivray
Musical Director and Composer – Oliver Searle, Sound and Video Designer – Rob Willoughby, Set and Costume designed by Emma Bailey and Rachel O’Neill, Lighting Designer – Michaella Fee, Gaelic Consultant – Alasdair Whyte
At the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 at the Scottish Storytelling Centre from 7 to 31 August at 4:45pm, with a preview performance on 6 August 2026.
Touring to Glasgow Cathedral, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle (Visitor Centre) in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland from Thursday 3 September to Saturday 19 September 2026.
Opening press performance at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Friday 7 August 2026 at 4:45pm.
Part of the Made in Scotland Showcase.
The story of the greatest literary hoax of all time.
Returning to venues across Scotland following a critically acclaimed and award-nominated Scotland-wide tour in 2025, Martin O’Connor’s Through the Shortbread Tin is a poetic, poignant and playful show, performed in Scots with Gaelic songs, which explores Scottish culture, myths, history and identity.
“Fierce, Funny and Challenging” The Scotsman ★★★★
“an entertaining and intelligent investigation into the illusions and inconsistencies of Scottish history, culture and identity.” The Stage ★★★★
Through the Shortbread Tin will open in Edinburgh at the Scottish Storytelling Centre as part of the Made in Scotland Programme at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on Friday 7 August 2026.
The show will then undergo a special tour to historic settings in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland. Touring to Glasgow Cathedral, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle (Visitor Centre) in September 2026, these performances will connect Martin O’Connor’s unique dive into Scotland’s history with the resonant surrounds of some of Scotland’s landmark sited locations.
Twenty years since the internationally acclaimed production of Black Watch premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Through the Shortbread Tin marks National Theatre of Scotland’s 42nd production at the Edinburgh festivals, including last year’s Edinburgh International Festival sell out success, Make It Happen.
Through the Shortbread Tin is directed for this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe and tour by Joanna Bowman, whose previous productions include the award-winning Tron Theatre Company production of Escaped Alone, Doubt: A Parable (Dundee Rep) and most recently, Sweat (Citizens Theatre and Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh). Joanna won the 2024 CATS Award for Best Director.
In 1760 Scottish poet James Macpherson set the world ablaze with stories of the third-century Scottish bard, Ossian. This tartan-trimmed tale of Highland history spread far and wide, capturing the imagination of thousands– but was it built on a deception?
In 2026 Scottish poet Martin O’Connor decides to revisit Macpherson’s epic and begins to question his own relationship with Scottish culture. The sporrans, the stags, the shortbread – do these ‘gift-shop’ images of Scotland hold us back or bring us forward? What does it mean to be authentic, and is the truth sometimes better told in a lie?
Imagine that ye didnae ignore the myths.
Imagine ye were telt yer history.
Imagine ye could hod onto the stories.
Imagine ye could create yer ain truth.
“A tartan wrapped gift of a show” The Herald
Martin will be joined on stage by Josie Duncan, Iona Mairead and Mairi McGillivray, three distinctive Gaelic choral singers, singing original songs composed by Oliver Searle.
Audiences are invited to join Martin and Macpherson on an oral odyssey spanning centuries of Scottish history, exploring the myths we tell each other and the stories we tell ourselves.
Through the Shortbread Tin was nominated for Best New Play in both the Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2025 and the UK Theatre Awards 2025.
Through the Shortbread Tin is part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s 20th birthday programme, marking twenty years of game-changing theatre. National Theatre of Scotland is delighted to be part of the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s 20th anniversary celebrations, as well by being part of their specially curated Festival Fringe programme, the centre piece of their year’s anniversary offering.
BACKGROUND TO OSSIAN
In 1760 Highlander Macpherson published Fragments of Ancient Poetry to great critical and commercial acclaim.
The poems were collected from oral sources around Scotland and were presented as the work of a third century bard, Ossian, soon dubbed The Homer of the North. There soon followed two other publications, Fingal and Temora, and together they set the Scottish and European literary world alight.
The ‘Ossian effect’ soon saw a rise in interest in Scottish and Highland ways of life and an increase in tourism and cultural interest. The impact of Ossian was immediate and permanent, even if the individual poems eventually fell out of fashion. But soon after publication, debates over Ossian’s aesthetic and moral ‘legitimacy’ surfaced, which plagued the writer and the impact and legacy of the work.
Martin O’Connor is an award-winning theatre-maker, performer and poet from Glasgow. He is interested in exploring ideas of voice and identity through theatre and poetry, with particular interest in Scots, Gaelic and verbatim. Martin won Scots Performer of the Year Award at the Scots Language Awards 2024.
He was granted a Gavin Wallace Fellowship in 2018, hosted by Playwrights’ Studio Scotland and the Lyceum Theatre, marking the first stage in his research into James Macpherson and Ossian.
He makes work for solo performance as well as with, and for, other people. He was the National Theatre of Scotland Writer in Residence in 2020. Previous projects include Turntable (MJ McCarthy/Red Bridge Arts), Mark of the Beast (Martin O’Connor/Platform), Togail Nàisean/ Building a Nation (Glasgow Life).
This remount of Through the Shortbread Tin is directed by Joanna Bowman. Joanna has directed for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Citizens Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre, Tron Theatre, Dundee Rep Theatre, Perth Theatre, and Òran Mór.
Previous productions include the award-winning Tron Theatre Company production of Escaped Alone, Doubt:A Parable (Dundee Rep) and most recently, Sweat (Citizens Theatre and Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh). She was Associate Director of the Tron Theatre between 2022 and 2025 and is Associate Artist with the Citizens Theatre. Joanna won the 2024 CATS Award for Best Director.
The original production of Through the Shortbread Tin was directed by Lu Kemp, a theatre director and dramaturg with a distinctive reputation for her work in new writing. Lu was Artistic Director of Perth Theatre between 2016 to 2023.
Her tenure was notable for supporting the creation of new work by Scottish artists and community engaged productions. As a freelance director, Lu has worked for The Citizens, The Royal Lyceum Theatre, National Theatre of Scotland, Artangel, London, The Tricycle, Almeida and The Royal Shakespeare Company.
Josie Duncan is a folk-inspired songwriter and award-winning singer from the Isle of Lewis. Her songs have been showcased worldwide from the Hebridean Celtic Festival Opening Concert to the National Celtic Festival Australia. Josie’s music features in National Theatre of Scotland’s Carry Me Home – A Ferry Tale, an award-winning short film directed by Seth Hardwick, and she reprises her role from the original production of Through the Shortbread Tin in 2025.
Iona Mairead is a Gàidhlig singer from the village of Bravas on the west coast of Lewis. Iona joined the line-up of An Lanntair’s Hebridean Women 2023 concert when she was just eighteen and returned to the HebCelt stage with her first solo slot last summer. She recently competed at Mòd Lochabar 2025, reaching the finals for the Traditional Gold Medal.
Her debut EP, “Tog do Ghuth” (2024) pairs traditional elements of Gàidhlig song with dreamy, electronic arrangements, creating a fresh and easy listen. Iona is driven by her passion to keep the Gàidhlig language and its poetry alive, but also the potential to explore new possibilities and boundaries for contemporary Gàidhlig music.
Mairi McGillivray is a Gaelic singer from the island of Islay off the west coast of Scotland.
Mairi has performed at various venues and festivals across the UK and Europe including, Celtic Connections, The Reeling, Jura Music Festival, EDF and Under Canvas. Mairi graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2020 and has since won a prestigious Danny Kyle Award in January 2021 and was a finalist in BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2023. Mairi’s debut album, Mo Thìr will be released in July 2026 with grounding in songs from and about her native Islay. Joined by host of acclaimed musicians and produced by John Lowrie, it is set to bring old and new songs to life with their captivating style.
Through the Shortbread Tin at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre
Dates at Edinburgh Festival Fringe: Thursday 6 August (Preview); Friday 7 August to Monday 31 August (no shows on Wed 12, Sat 15, Wed 19, Wed 26 August)
Time: 4.45pm
Touring to Glasgow Cathedral (Thurs 3 September to Sat 5 September); Stirling Castle (Fri 11 September to Sun 13 September) and Urquhart Castle (Visitor Centre) (Thurs 17 September to Sat 19 September).
Schools Construction Skills Taster Event at Edinburgh Castle.
School pupils from across Edinburgh swapped their classroom for the Castle this week to try their hand at construction and traditional skills through a Build Your Future event.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), in partnership with Scottish Traditional Building Forum and The City of Edinburgh Council, held the event for nearly 100 pupils on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 May.
The two-day skills taster event is designed to inspire the next generation of craftspeople, construction professionals, and heritage specialists by giving young people the chance to try a range of practical skills.
Across the two days, pupils rotated through five interactive skills stations with demonstrations and mini masterclasses delivered by industry specialists.
Activities include roof slating, stonemasonry, painting and graining, timber joinery, and technology in construction such as thermal insulation – showcasing both traditional craft skills and modern construction techniques, and demonstrating how they work together to maintain, repair and future-proof Scotland’s historic buildings.
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), who first supported the inaugural Build Your Future skills demonstration at Edinburgh Castle in 2012, returned this year to lead the roof‑slating activities and share their expertise with pupils. There was also insight from industry body Women in Property who were able to share experience and advice with pupils.
HES craftspeople led behind‑the‑scenes tours of Edinburgh Castle, giving pupils rare and unique insight into the conservation and construction work required to care for a world‑famous heritage site.
Schools Construction Skills Taster Event at Edinburgh Castle.
Colin Tennant, Interim Director of Cultural Assets at HES, said: “Seeing young people get hands‑on with these skills is a fantastic reminder of why this work matters. Scotland’s historic environment depends on a strong pipeline of traditional and emerging skills, and inspiring young people to see the opportunities available to them in the sector is essential.
“At HES, we’re committed to playing a leading role in tackling the skills gap – investing in training, supporting innovative programmes like Build Your Future, and working closely with partners across education, industry and local authorities. But we cannot do this alone. Transforming Scotland’s skills landscape needs sustained support and collective effort. With continued engagement across the sector and beyond, we can build the skilled workforce Scotland needs now and for the future.”
Construction apprenticeships currently see a significant drop‑out rate, with just over half of apprentices completing their training each year. Partners believe this is often due to young people entering apprenticeships without a clear understanding of the wide range of roles available.
Build Your Future aims to change this by giving pupils early, practical experience and helping them choose the right pathway from the outset.
Schools Construction Skills Taster Event at Edinburgh Castle.
Joann Russell, Chair, Scottish Traditional Building Forum, said: “We are delighted to return to Edinburgh Castle to deliver a Build Your Future event. This model of school engagement started at Edinburgh Castle in 2012 and has evolved significantly with the feedback from education and industry.
“It is a young person focussed approach to promote the many and varied careers in construction to provide young people with insights to help them in their career choices. This has been done with numerous stakeholders across construction and we look forward to continuing to work with them for the mutual long-term aims of addressing the skills gap in construction.”
This week’s event at Edinburgh Castle, delivered in partnership between Scottish Traditional Building Forum, The City of Edinburgh Council and HES, builds on the success of a wider National 5 pilot programme.
The pilot programme embeds teaching of construction and traditional skills directly into the school timetable to create a clear pathway towards a National 5 qualification and beyond. The pilot, running across several schools in the city, has supported young people to gain early experience in heritage and construction careers, with several pupils progressing into apprenticeships.
Schools Construction Skills Taster Event at Edinburgh Castle.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convenor, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This event has been a great opportunity for young people to explore and try out a range of specialist and practical skills, all under the supervision of industry experts. Against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, school pupils were given a glimpse into the craftsmanship involved in conserving such a historic landmark too.
“In Edinburgh, we’re focused on improving outcomes for all learners and our innovative pathways work offers tailored routes for all young people – whether further education, an apprenticeship or the world of work.
By partnering with organisations like Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Traditional Building Forum we want to inspire young people interested in a career in construction or conservation by showing them all that’s on offer.”
More information on traditional skills and training can be found on the HES website. Employers and schools interested in opportunities to participate can contact the team at skills@hes.scot
Photography enthusiasts are being encouraged to enter a competition running until October celebrating three decades of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.
The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were first inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995 making this World Heritage Day (Saturday, 18 April) so special as the competition is part of the Site’s 30th birthday celebrations.
This makes this weekend the perfect time to explore the Old and New Towns to capture images of one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes in the world.
Entries will be grouped into twelve categories, each celebrating a particular value of Scotland’s capital city. The winning photograph in each category will become part of a year-long calendar, which will be sold on Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money for the Trust.
The over-all winner will take pride of place on the front cover of the calendar and will receive a one-year membership for Historic Scotland, who run top-rated visitor attractions all over the country.
The entries will be judged by Tom Duffin, a professional photographer who specialises in showcasing Edinburgh’s heritage; Neil Hanna, a multi-award-winning photographer with over 35 years of experience; and Jane Bradley, celebrated Arts and Culture Correspondent at the Scotsman.
This year’s World Heritage Day celebrations also include the following event:
DID JOHN BAYNE TAKE A SECRET TO HIS GRAVE?
TODAY (Saturday 18 April) as part of the Legacies in Stone project, Edinburgh World Heritage, the Friends of Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the Council (funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund) aim to lift the lid on a secret centuries in the making: does a broken gravestone in John Bayne’s mausoleum hide a forgotten burial vault?
By repairing a simple flat grave slab, the aim is to unlock the mystery of this unique tomb in Scotland’s most famous kirkyard.
How to join:
In person: Attend the event in Greyfriars Kirkyard, followed by expert talks at Augustine United Church.
Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “This year World Heritage Day is so special as there is much to celebrate. The 30th birthday is a significant achievement and milestone to reach as looking after the Site with our partners takes a lot of care and has many challenges. Edinburgh is a living, breathing city and it needs to be well managed to balance the needs of our residents, businesses and visitors.
“This World Heritage Day is a great time to enter our photography competition as it’s a lovely time of year to capture the changing light, sunsets and skylines this part of our stunning capital city is so famous for.
“The beautiful spring flowers appearing in the many gardens and open spaces are also there for us all to enjoy. If you’re interested in photography, why not explore the area this weekend to capture what inspires you most about the Old and New Towns.
“You could combine your visit to find out if John Bayne took a secret to his grave by attending the event in Greyfriars Kirkyard – or if history is more your interest – just attend the event instead.”
George Findlater, Head of Community and Economic Development at Historic Environment Scotland, said:“After thirty years of being a World Heritage Site, Edinburgh continues to inspire admiration from visitors and locals alike.
“We are excited to offer a year’s membership to Historic Scotland as a prize in the photography competition, and World Heritage Day is a terrific opportunity to bring out your camera and capture what makes Edinburgh so unique across the competition categories.”
Douglas Brotherston, Chairman of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “Thirty years as a World Heritage Site is quite a wonderful achievement and we are delighted at Edinburgh World Heritage, together with our partners at HES and the City of Edinburgh Council to mark the occasion by holding this photography competition.
“The unique appeal of Edinburgh’s streets and landscapes, skylines and special heritage is so varied, it lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We hope that we will get many entries from locals and visitors alike who can capture the glorious views of our spectacular city.”
The twelve categories for which applicants can submit their photographs are:
Planning Convener Cllr Joan Griffiths writes about birthday celebrations for Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site ahead of World Heritage Day on Saturday:
It’s three decades since Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns were inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1995, recognising the city’s diverse and iconic buildings and landmarks – thirty years on and we have a lot to celebrate this World Heritage Day, Saturday 18 April.
The status recognises the Towns (collectively) as one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes in the world and helps us along with our partners, Historic Environment Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage, to make sure its value and beauty is preserved for generations to come.
As partners we’re tasked with preserving the organic medieval Old Town and the planned Georgian New Town including the city’s iconic skyline. The Site offers a rich contrast of styles between the Old Town’s narrow, winding closes and the broad, elegant streets of the New Town. Along with our partners we look after around 4,500 individual buildings and for around 30,000 Edinburgh residents the Site is their home.
UNESCO’s values include working with communities and young people. Celebrating this big birthday is giving us a fantastic opportunity to engage residents and visitors in activities to help them find out more about this historically important and internationally renowned area of our beautiful Capital city.
If you’re a photography enthusiast, we’re running a competition with our partners to help celebrate this milestone. We’re asking you to share an image with us before the end of October that captures what inspires you most about the World Heritage Site and makes Edinburgh so special in your eyes. There are 12 categories to choose from, ranging from the Medieval Old Town to the Living City.
Winning images in each category will become part of a year-long calendar and you will be able to buy one in our Museums and Galleries shops, at Historic Scotland sites and at Edinburgh World Heritage events to raise money to help manage the Site going forward.
For our young residents we’ve asked a class of primary four Granton Primary pupils to work with a freelance artist over the summer term. The children will visit the Museum of Edinburgh and be given a special educational tour of the World Heritage Site.
The artist will carry out a number of sessions with the pupils in their classroom guiding them to paint their impressions of what they found interesting and memorable during their trip around this historic area of our city. When complete the work will be exhibited in the Museum of Edinburgh from 5 October to 10 January for everyone to enjoy.
Why not use this week to find out more about the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site and enter any special images of the area you are proud of into our photography competition. Good luck and happy snapping!
See behind the scenes as Castle’s Crown Room gets a right royal makeover
Work is progressing on redevelopment of the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle, the historic home of the Crown, Sword and Sceptre which make up the Honours of Scotland.
Since the Crown Room closed its vault doors in January, significant refurbishment has been underway to enhance the display of the Honours. Elements of the Victorian design are being restored, including the room’s oak panelling. New oak shields have been carved by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) joiners to return these features to the original, simpler form that would have decorated the display at that time.
A new, bespoke display case for the Honours is also being installed. This has been designed to continue to keep these priceless objects physically secure, environmentally stable and looking their best for the 2m visitors who flock to the site each year.
The project has also provided a historic opportunity for a new generation of craftspeople to hone their skills. John Lamb, Third Year Apprentice Joiner at HES, has been working on the oak panelling conservation and creation of the new shields, while Mackenzie Francis, Second Year Apprentice Painter, has been painting the doors of the Crown Room.
Speaking about his involvement in the project, John said: “I’ve been able to work across all joinery aspects of the Crown Room refurbishment, which has been a really great opportunity.
“I’ve learned to use different router techniques while working on the new shields, and I’ve learned so much already working with the other joiners.”
Mackenzie added: “We’ve been using a metal paint to paint the doors of the Crown Room a new colour. Working on this project has given me the opportunity to find out more about different types of paint, which is a good skill to learn.
“It’s a big honour to work in the Crown Room, it’s not every day that you get the opportunity to do something like this.”
The redevelopment of the Crown Room is the latest chapter in the unfolding story of the Honours of Scotland, Britain’s oldest crown jewels and among the oldest in Europe. They have mainly been housed in the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle since its completion in 1617.
The room is a purpose-built secure vault designed specially to hold these treasures, with barrel-vaulting and thickened walls providing added security.
Kathy Richmond, Head of Collections & Applied Conservation at HES, said: “The Honours of Scotland are objects of immense significance and a key highlight of a visit to Edinburgh Castle.
“With this redevelopment, we’re taking inspiration from the past, and also want these objects to benefit from modern, high-quality design that meets the highest industry standards.
“The new display case will continue to ensure the long-term security and stability of the Honours, while creating an atmospheric and memorable experience for visitors.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the Crown Room later this spring to see the Honours once again in all their glory.”
The Crown Room redevelopment is scheduled to be completed in April 2026.
Information regarding the reopening of the Crown Room to visitors will be published on the Edinburgh Castle website.
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.
Final call for public input on long-term management of cultural heritage in state care across Edinburgh and the Lothians
Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Properties and Collections strategy consultation closes 23 January
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is urging people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to have their say on the future of its historically significant properties and collections, which they manage on behalf of the people of Scotland.
HES is set to finalise its long-term Properties and Collections strategy later this year and is encouraging those with an interest in Scotland’s heritage to share their views before the consultation closes on 23 January at 23:59.
HES looks after more than 300 historic sites including Edinburgh and Tantallon Castles and Linlithgow Palace; 43,000 objects; and 5 million archival records on behalf of the people of Scotland. Many of Scotland’s historic assets are facing increasing challenges in their management but there are also opportunities for this national network of cultural heritage to do more for Scotland.
Proposals within the draft strategy include how HES will adapt to the realities of a changing climate and consider how some properties could be used by community groups throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.
HES wants to hear what matters to the people of Scotland when it comes to heritage and how best to care for it, so it continues to benefit future generations.
Scottish influencers Historic Ally and Black Scottish Adventurers have joined the call urging people to take part in the consultation.
Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES said: “The sites and objects that we look after don’t ‘belong’ to HES – we look after them on behalf of the people of Scotland and we want to hear all views and ideas on the draft strategy. The choices we make now will shape how the properties and collections we look after are managed for decades to come.
“We want to hear from everyone – whether you visit our sites often, work with heritage, or simply feel a connection to Scotland’s past. With the consultation closing soon, we’re encouraging as many people as possible to take part.
“The context in which the cultural heritage sector operates is changing significantly and the time is right to consider what the future of state care should look like – how we can best engage with communities, deal with the traditional skills crisis, deliver more sustainable tourism, and make the right decisions with transparency.”
The consultation is available now on CitizenSpace and will remain open until 23 January 2026. The final strategy is expected to be published later in 2026 following approvals by Scottish Government Ministers.
As Castle of Light: Fire and Ice prepares to draw its sixth dazzling season to a close, visitors are being invited to experience the award-winning after-dark event at Edinburgh Castle one final time, with a special £10 ticket available for the final night (Sunday 4 January 2026).
Illuminating the capital’s skyline throughout the festive season, Castle of Light has once again captivated audiences with extraordinary installations, immersive storytelling and breathtaking projections, this year inspired by the elemental forces of fire and ice.
With only a handful of dates remaining in its seven-week run, there are limited opportunities to journey through Scotland’s most iconic fortress as its transformed into a mesmerising world of light, sound and wonder.
To celebrate the closing night on Sunday 4 January 2026, all tickets will be available for just £10, offering a final chance for visitors to escape the everyday and experience the magic of Castle of Light before the festive season fades.
Created by a consortium of Scotland’s leading digital and visual artists, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Castle of Light has become a highlight of Edinburgh’s winter calendar, blending cutting-edge creativity with centuries of Scottish heritage.
Kit Reid, Head of Experience at HES, said: “Castle of Light: Fire and Ice has been a huge hit with visitors, with people travelling from far and wide to experience the iconic site lit up after-dark.
“We’re delighted to offer these £10 tickets and encourage anyone who hasn’t experienced the event yet to come along and celebrate the final night of this year’s spectacular event.”
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) must put strong controls in place to prevent fraud and ensure value for money after unacceptable weaknesses were found in its governance.
The audit of HES’s 2024/25 accounts reported weaknesses in governance arrangements, including: procurement issues, data breaches, unclear processes for complimentary tickets to events at its venues, and no formal register of interests for the Executive Leadership Team.
Auditors reported weaknesses in the financial management of electronic purchasing cards and hospitality. They also found that the HES board was not provided with a paper to scrutinise the cancellation of a specialist archive storage project, which has already cost £2.9 million, with a further £0.5 million likely to be spent.
Together, these issues suggest a culture where organisational policies are not consistently applied or followed.
HES operated without a Chief Executive or Accountable Officer for almost six months in 2025. The Scottish Government should have appointed a substitute Accountable Officer to provide the necessary leadership and accountability in accordance with ministerial guidelines.
Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “Historic Environment Scotland is navigating a period of significant instability and challenge, with a number of staff-related matters that need to be resolved. This includes allegations of a toxic workplace culture which needs to be fully investigated and addressed.
“My report outlines unacceptable weaknesses in HES’s governance arrangements.
“It is critical that strong controls are now put in place to prevent the risk of fraud and demonstrate that value for money is being achieved.”
