Historic Environment Scotland – Page 2 – The NEN

Rising seas and storms put Scotland’s past at risk: Historic Environment Scotland calls for action

Scotland’s heritage is under threat: rising seas, heavier storms, and wetter winters are accelerating damage to historic sites and experts warn time is running out
From castles to coastal ruins, Scotland’s most iconic landmarks are facing a climate crisis and urgent action is needed to help protect them for future generations
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) proposes a long-term approach to adapting and managing Scotland’s historic places, objects and archival records in draft strategy
Public invited to share views before consultation closes on 23 January

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is warning that some of Scotland’s most historically significant heritage properties are being affected by accelerating climate change.

Changing weather patterns, including increased rainfall and temperature variability, are creating more water ingress and placing additional stress on historic masonry. Scotland’s average temperature over the last decade was 1°C warmer than the 1961 to1990 baseline, and winters were 25% wetter, intensifying the processes that crack and erode masonry. Future projections from Adaptation Scotland suggest typical winters could be warmer and wetter, while summers become hotter and drier, increasing risks of drought and wildfires.

Sea levels will continue to rise, and long-term projections show coastal flooding and erosion will intensify, threatening sites such as Skara Brae and Blackness Castle. Dynamic Coast research (2021) estimates that coastal erosion could put around £1.2 billion worth of property and infrastructure at risk along Scotland’s shores over the next 25 years.

Climate projections also indicate intense, heavy rainfall events will increase in both winter and summer, raising the risk of flash floods and structural damage.

Changing weather patterns may accelerate decay in masonry buildings, while more variable and extreme weather will bring frequent storms and unpredictable conditions, disrupting access and increasing emergency repairs to buildings.

2025 has seen the highest number of weather-related site closures and access restrictions at HES properties in the past decade, with 281 so far this year.

HES is highlighting the huge challenges posed by the increasing rate and impact of climate change on heritage sites across Scotland as it seeks the public’s views on plans for the long-term management of the places and items it cares for. The organisation is actively identifying solutions for managing these challenges, which are set out in its draft Properties and Collections Strategy.

The organisation is calling on more people across the country to take part in the consultation, which is open until 23 January 2026. People are being asked to express their views on the proposed plans and changes to how HES could operate and manage the 300+ historic places, 43,000 objects, and 5 million archival records in its care.

HES is proposing to strengthen its response in the face of the accelerating impact of climate change, including a combination of management approaches to help mitigate its effects. As well as suggesting testing “innovative solutions,” the organisation has suggested its conservation principles must be more pragmatic, including necessary interventions as appropriate to further build resilience, such as interventions at wall heads, reinstatement of roofs and other water-shedding elements that may provide positive long-term outcomes.

According to Nathalie Lodhi, Head of Climate Change at HES, specialists are already witnessing a shift in the type and scale of challenges facing historic sites: “Unroofed historic sites, like many of our properties in care, are more susceptible to the effects of climate change as they no longer shed water effectively, putting them at higher risk.

“More frequent and intense storms mean more emergency repairs and structural monitoring, while temperature variations lead to higher risk of mould or issues from humidity. It’s not a question of what climate change is doing to our historic environment, but how fast it’s happening.

“We know that we need to use the latest data we have to understand the full extent of current and future climate change impacts on our sites and crucially, use these to inform our long-term decisions.”

Recognising the importance of planning its response to climate change now, HES is currently consulting on its draft Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship.

In it, HES sets out proposed plans on how it will:

Focus care on the places and objects that need it most and have the greatest potential to help people and communities.
Make decisions based on evidence, expert advice, including public input.
Work with others to protect and use these places in ways that benefit everyone.
Respond to climate change and rising costs with practical, long-term planning.
Support traditional skills and local jobs.
Improve access, learning, and visitor experiences.

HES says the long-term priorities of the strategy are focusing on the cultural assets in its care that have both the greatest conservation need and the greatest potential to make a difference to people and place, ensuring Scotland’s most significant cultural assets in a national context are conserved and sustainably managed for future generations. Public feedback through the consultation will help refine and shape the final version of the Properties and Collections strategy.

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES, stressed the importance of public engagement in shaping the final strategy: “Our historic environment is a huge part of what makes Scotland so special.

“We already know that we need to take action to protect it for future generations, but we need input from people across Scotland to help us identify what we should prioritise and ensure our strategy reflects the needs of local communities.

“That’s why we’re urging everyone – whether they work in the heritage sector or simply feel an affinity with Scottish culture – to take part in our consultation.

“We have small window of opportunity to find ways to shape a new, positive future for the properties and collections. We want to hear from people about how we face up to the huge challenges we face, but also how we grasp positive opportunities. Your voice matters to us. Now is the time to make it heard.”

The consultation is available now on CitizenSpace and will remain open until 23 January 2026. The final strategy is expected to be published in spring 2026.

Photography competition to kick off 30th birthday celebrations for Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site

Residents and visitors are invited to enter a photography competition, launched to celebrate Edinburgh’s 30 years on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The competition is being run by the partners who look after the site: Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH), Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and the City of Edinburgh Council.

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 price 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 Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were first inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995, where they were recognised as one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes in the world. With its division into Old and New Town, Edinburgh is a remarkable example of urban growth, showcasing two distinct but equally significant styles of city planning.

Photography enthusiasts will have until October 2026 to submit their work showcasing Edinburgh in all its glory across the seasons. The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers, using any camera or device.

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.

Terry Levinthal, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: “Edinburgh is a city of matchless qualities. It is a city of contrasts; of distant prospects and intimate details; a city of old and new; a place to be admired and be lived in.

“These very picturesque qualities make it the perfect subject for photography. To mark 30 years since inscription, we hope that everyone will be inspired to share their favourite views, details, buildings and places with us, so that we can share them with others.”

James Bruhn, Head of World Heritage and Heritage Policy at HES, said: “When a place is inscribed on the World Heritage List, that is by no means the end of the story.

“Edinburgh is a living, breathing place, and we are excited to support this competition and give local photographers the chance to capture Edinburgh’s unique beauty and win a membership to visit historic sites across the country.”

Cllr Joan Griffiths Planning Convener said: “I’d encourage everyone with an interest in photography to help us celebrate this significant milestone for the Old and New Towns World Heritage Site by entering the competition for a chance to be part of this exciting calendar. I’m really looking forward to seeing the results.

“It’s a huge accolade to hold World Heritage Status and it’s extra challenging for a living, breathing city. We look after the Site with our partners and it’s important to us to make sure our residents from across the city feel a sense of ownership and belonging to the Site.

“The competition and resulting calendar is a great opportunity for people to reflect on what the Site means for them through their art as well as what they find special or feel proud of in this internationally renowned part of the Capital.”

The twelve categories for which applicants can submit their photographs are:

Medieval Old Town
Neo-classical New Town
Gardens and open spaces
Urban planning/street layout
Topography and skyline
Public and commercial monuments
Conservation
Layering of heritage
Architectural detail
Graveyards
Juxtaposition
The Living City

To learn more about the competition and prepare to take the perfect shot, visit this document.

£2.9m heritage investment for Granton Waterfront regeneration

Funding from Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund will protect the built heritage of Granton Waterfront

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are investing £1.34 million and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) are investing £1.24 million from their jointly funded Heritage and Place Programme into Granton Waterfront.

With the funding, the City of Edinburgh Council will bring the area’s historic buildings and structures back to life through restoring, upgrading and connecting these facilities with the wider community. The money will also be used to support new opportunities for the community to explore and celebrate Granton’s heritage.

Each building and structure awarded the funding has its own unique story to tell about the history of Granton Waterfront, stretching from the late Victorian era to the early modern period. Together, they reflect the area’s rich industrial and cultural heritage. The funding secured will ensure that future generations will enjoy what they have to offer in the years to come.

Restoration projects

Granton Lighthouse

At Granton Lighthouse, a full refurbishment of this nineteenth century C-listed building, including major fabric repairs and accessibility enhancements, will create a new flexible, creative, learning, enterprise and community development space, operated by arts charity Out of the Blue.

Madelvic House

Madelvic House, a B-listed building from the 1890s, will also benefit. Once the headquarters for the UK’s first car factory, it will undergo roof and window restoration, interior upgrades, and accessibility improvements so it can be used by local arts and heritage organisations.

Granton Station building platforms

The magnificent Edwardian former Granton gasworks railway station building is one of the capital projects that will benefit from the funding. It has already been beautifully refurbished and is occupied by social enterprise charity WASPS.

The funding will be used to carry out upgrades to the disused platforms and introduce a heritage arts installation with green space that supports biodiversity.

Granton Castle Walled Garden

The Council is also working with the Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden to carry out structural restoration to the boundary walls and doocot. This will build on initial works the Council has already carried out, helping to ensure its continued use as a community garden and food education hub.

Beyond physical restoration, the project places strong emphasis on community engagement and skills development.

As part of the funding secured, a dedicated Community Heritage Officer will be appointed to lead a programme of heritage activities, including open days, exhibitions, walking tours, and volunteering opportunities.

These events will be developed with local people and organisations to make sure they reflect the community’s interests, aspirations and the heritage that they care about.

Numerous community organisations are involved in the initiative, including Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden, Wasps, Granton:Hub, and Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.

Their collaboration ensures that the heritage investment not only preserves the past but also empowers the present and future generations.

The work will all be completed by 2030 and as it continues interpretation boards will also be installed to support navigation, explain the significance of the place and improve visitor experience and engagement.

Sir Mark Jones, Chair of the Board at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Heritage has always played a vital role in shaping places and communities, and it’s important that it continues to do so.

“Through our Heritage and Place Programme investment in Granton Waterfront, we’re supporting a place‑based approach that not only conserves historic buildings but reconnects them with the people who live here today.

“From local landmarks like the Lighthouse and Madelvic House, to community assets like the walled garden and industrial heritage embedded in Granton Station, each helps to tell the story of Granton’s past.

“By restoring and upgrading them, we’re ensuring they remain at the heart of its future – creating inclusive and accessible spaces for generations to come.”

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’re very grateful to be awarded this funding to carefully restore the built heritage of Granton Waterfront as part of the wider £1.3bn regeneration of the area.

“A key aim of the project is to involve the local community in our plans for these listed buildings and structures as we bring them back to life for local people and visitors to use and enjoy for generations to come.

“As part of the restoration work we will deliver traditional skills training in partnership with Edinburgh College and local contractors will focus on construction and conservation skills that support career development and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the area’s heritage.

“The regeneration of Granton Waterfront is guided by a “place first” approach and we’re aiming to reconnect heritage sites and create inclusive, accessible spaces that foster wellbeing, creativity, and social cohesion.

“The project will also support activities at Granton Castle Walled Garden, enhancing local food production and education, and helping to alleviate food poverty.

“This project, along with the recent refurbishment of the gasholder and creation of Gasholder 1 Park, demonstrates our commitment to celebrate the historical legacy of the area.”

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “Granton is in the midst of major regeneration which will deliver exciting new opportunities for the area, creating new homes and bringing existing and new communities together.

“In that context, Granton’s heritage offers strong anchor points for community connections and our investment of £1,248,86, thanks to National Lottery players, will ensure heritage sits at the heart of Granton’s regeneration underpinning its character and values.

“Heritage connects people, cultures and communities to a place. We are investing in Granton as a place that supports community, embraces cohesive and sustainable economic regeneration, and cultural connections with a genuine pride in place.”

granton:hub responded: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce that granton:hub has been included in a £2.9 million investment as part of the Granton Waterfront Regeneration project

“Madelvic House which is ‘B’ listed and from the 1890s will also benefit.

“Once the headquarters for the UK’s first car factory, it will undergo roof and window restoration, interior upgrades, and accessibility improvements so it can be used by local arts and heritage organisations.

“We are thrilled to be in fantastic company alongside @grantoncastlegarden @ootbdrillhall and look forward to seeing their projects expand and develop for the local community in Granton.”

The Granton:hub AGM takes place this Saturday 29th November, from 11am – 2pm.

This is a chance to come together as a community, hear about everything we’ve been up to@over the last year, and find out what’s ahead for 2026.

Next year marks a significant step forward for the hub, as we look to renovate our historic building – preserving its heritage for future generations while making it more accessible and welcoming for everyone in the community.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Fire and Ice captivates thousands as Castle of Light opens in spectacular style

Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public, drawing crowds from across the country for an action-packed launch filled with elemental wonder.

Fusing Scotland’s fierce spirit with its frozen beauty, Edinburgh and Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie, Adelle Ferrie and Merryn Gunderson took centre stage on the esplanade to ignite this year’s walking trail, triggering a dramatic eruption of light across the Castle walls.

Marking the start of a seven-week run for the UK’s largest annual projection show, Castle of Light: Fire and Ice will now transform the iconic fortress into an immersive world where ancient stories blaze to life after-dark, on select evenings until 4 January.

Matt Currie said: “It’s genuinely a massive honour to be here tonight and to play a small part in officially switching on the lights for Castle of Light. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and seeing it lit up with these spectacular projections and stories is truly special.”

Adelle Ferrie said: “Being up here on the esplanade tonight, seeing the buzz and excitement, really brings home how much this event means to Edinburgh. For us as players, getting to be part of such a great event that connects with the wider community is fantastic.

“It’s an amazing way to shine a light on what makes Edinburgh so unique. We’re incredibly proud to play our part in launching something that adds so much magic to the city’s winter calendar.”

Created by a consortium of Scotland’s leading digital and visual artists, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Castle of Light continues to be a highlight of Edinburgh’s winter calendar, drawing families, friends and visitors eager to see the Castle in a breathtaking new light.

Returning for its sixth spectacular season, guests are invited to wander through an awe-inspiring tapestry of storytelling projections, with dazzling installations and atmospheric sound displays shaped by the enchanting forces of fire and ice.

From a dragon sweeping across the night sky to the Ice Queen gliding through the Great Hall, audiences will be captivated by mythical creatures, powerful storytelling and cutting-edge visual artistry.

One of this year’s most innovative moments is the dramatic reimagining of the ancient epic poem, Y Gododdin. Rather than using animation, the creative team collaborated with renowned Edinburgh-based artist Maria Rud, who painted her interpretation of the tale live in real time.

With every brushstroke projected onto the rock face, Maria’s hands — and even her hair — become part of the artwork, making the creation as mesmerising as the story itself. The result is a raw, expressive performance that brings the ancient warriors of Y Gododdin vividly to life while providing a striking contrast to the high-tech digital installations seen throughout the Castle elsewhere on the trail, making it an early standout of the 2025 show.

Alastair Young, producer of Castle of Light, said: “This year’s story celebrates Scotland’s resilience, forged in fire, shaped by ice, and to see audiences respond with such awe and excitement has been hugely rewarding.

“Whether people joined us for the very first time or returned for another adventure, the reaction so far has been phenomenal.”

While taking in the spectacular light and sound displays, guests savoured winter drinks, indulged in treats from the street food vendors and toasted marshmallows by the fire pit, adding to the atmosphere of the crisp November weekend.

Kit Reid, Head of Experience at Historic Environment Scotland, added: “Castle of Light: Fire and Ice has arrived with extraordinary energy this year.

“Watching the Castle come alive as thousands of visitors explored its fiery origins and icy transformations has been incredible. The opening weekend set the tone for what promises to be our most atmospheric and enchanting trail yet.”

The event runs on select evenings from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with ticketed entry slots every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm.

The last entry is between 7.30pm and 7.45pm, with the event closing 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.

To celebrate St Andrew’s Day, a special £10 ticket offer will be available for entry on Sunday 30 November, with pre-booking encouraged as tickets are selling fast.

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

HES publishes decision NOT to list Brunton Hall in Musselburgh

Following an assessment of the building informed by public consultation, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has concluded that the Brunton Hall civic centre complex in Musselburgh is of special interest for listing, but that development proposals are too far advanced to list the site.

When deciding whether to designate a site while there are ongoing development proposals, HES considers the impact that designation would have on these plans; the effect of the proposed development on the significance of the site and the extent to which plans have already been developed.

East Lothian Council is currently considering the future of the building due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in its roof.

As part of the assessment of the site, HES carried out research and a public consultation to gather evidence about the significance of the site. Over 300 people from Musselburgh and across Scotland, as well as from further afield, took part in the consultation, providing valuable information to inform the decision.

Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at HES, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in our consultation and gave their views on the building.

“When making decisions about designations, we consider the individual circumstances of each case. Because of the advanced development proposals for Brunton Hall, we decided not to proceed with listing at this time. Although we have decided not to list the site, we hope that our report setting out the special interest of the building will inform the decisions that are made about the site.”

More information about the consultation and the decision can be found on CitizenSpace.

Mons Meg passes her MOT, 550 years after her first battle

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.”

Over 400 years since the Gunpowder Plot, James VI and I lives on

Conservators from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) have been carrying out painstaking conservation work of a portrait of James VI of Scotland, the only monarch to be born at Edinburgh Castle.

The painting of James VI, which is on loan from a private collection, normally hangs in the Mary Room at Edinburgh Castle. However, at the end of last year the painting was brought to HES’s conservation studio to undertake a full assessment and essential conservation treatment.

James VI and I, who ruled Scotland from 1567 as James VI and England and Ireland from 1603 as James I, is the only monarch to have been born at Edinburgh Castle. The only son of Mary, Queen of Scots, he is the longest-reigning monarch in Scotland’s history.

He was also the target of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, the attempted regicide plot to blow up the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament. The thwarted conspiracy is commemorated by Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) on 5 November each year.

Over the many centuries of the portrait’s life, it naturally accumulates surface dirt and changes in the protective varnish coatings. The painting underwent conservation work to stabilise the paint layer.

The old, discoloured varnish was carefully removed and replaced with a new protective varnish. King James VI and I’s silvery blue sash and his gold regalia, which had dulled in the centuries since they were first painted, now shine once more.

During the consolidation and conservation work, various strands of investigation also became apparent for Ailsa Murray, Senior Paintings Conservator. Several areas of the painting were retouched during previous conservation treatment, visible as dark purple areas under U.V. light.

Through scientific analysis of the fill material, it was found that there had been at least two campaigns of conservation previously. The original painting had at some point been lined with a second canvas, and the original stretcher, the wooden structure that holds the canvas in place, had also been replaced.

The other strand of investigation explored the identity of the portrait’s painter. The inscription on the bottom right reads ‘Painted by Jameson’ superimposed by a second inscription ‘School of Vandyck’. It is possible that this relates to the 17th century Scottish portrait painter George Jamesone (b. 1587 – d. 1644), though it may have been added later.

The original portrait by Van Dyck of James VI and I forms part of the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle. The portrait was posthumously painted for Charles I and dates from 1632. If the portrait at Edinburgh Castle was indeed painted by Jamesone, this narrows the window from 1632 to 1644, when Jamesone passed away.

Restoration and inspection of portrait of James VI from the Edinburgh Castle collection. Painting on loan. Pictured – Ailsa Murray.

Ailsa Murray, Senior Painting Conservator at HES, said: “This painting has a lot of history to tell, and some of it may yet be uncovered. We hope that through this conservation treatment, the painting will be able to see another 400 years and continue to be enjoyed by visitors from all over the world.

“It’s a real privilege to be able to work so closely with such historically important works and to be just a small part of helping to preserve such collections for future generations.”

Scotland champions the next generation of talent during Heritage Careers Week

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:

www.historicenvironment.scot/learn/skills-and-training/

Halloween descends upon Edinburgh!

Creepy treats and eerie encounters are making their way to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October, with a range of family-friendly Halloween events.

Edinburgh Castle will transform into Edin-boo! Castle as it opens its gates to Halloween Shenanigans on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, inviting visitors to come and explore some of the darker tales of history, with Living History performers sharing stories of ghosts and dastardly doings.

On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, Craigmillar Castle becomes Craig-thriller Castle, with Halloween Shenanigans.

Visitors can hear from the Master of Owls himself, who will be on hand to delve into the myths and legends surrounding owls. There will even be a chance to meet the winged creatures up close. A magical storyteller will also be on site to share scary stories, songs, riddles and even some magic.

Families can also explore the Mythical Mystery Hunt, discovering some of the magical and mystical creatures of Scottish folklore. This self-guided activity is taking place at sites across the country, including Edinburgh Castle and Craigmillar Castle, until Sunday 2 November and is included in admission.

Kit Reid, Head of Experience at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors across the country for a ghoulishly good time this October.

Halloween is a great way to explore the chills and thrills of the darker parts of these iconic historic sites. From Living History performers sharing eerie stories to a family-friendly Mythical Mystery Hunt, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into the Halloween Spirit.”

Members can also collect their exclusive History Hunt Halloween card at any of these events.

Find out more about The History Hunt at:

historicenvironment.scot/membership/history-hunt.

For further information and to book tickets, visit historicenvironment.scot/whats-on.

Daytime entry is free for Historic Scotland members.

People across Edinburgh and Lothians invited to help shape the future of Scotland’s historic sites and collections in state care

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) launches consultation to guide how Scotland’s historic places, objects and archives are cared for and used
Public input will influence long-term decisions on managing Scotland’s heritage, and supporting communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is inviting people across Edinburgh and the Lothians to help shape the future of some of the nation’s most important historic places and collections through a new public consultation.

HES looks after more than 300 historic sites and over 50,000 related objects and archival records, including sites such as Edinburgh and Craigmillar Castles and Linlithgow Palace on behalf of the people of Scotland.

The responses will help inform HES’s Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship, a long-term plan for how historic places, objects and archives are cared for, used and managed for generations to come.

By sharing their views, people will help HES understand how these historic places and collections matter to communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians, and ensure they’re cared for in ways that benefit future generations.

HES’s new strategy comes at a time when Scotland’s historic environment is facing significant challenges, including climate change and rising costs, to a shortage of traditional skills needed to maintain heritage sites.

At the same time, new technologies are opening up exciting ways to connect with wider audiences through digital access and interpretation.

These places have clear potential to do even more for the communities they serve. Visitor expectations are also evolving, with growing interest in sustainable tourism and more inclusive storytelling.

The consultation gives the public a chance to influence how HES responds to current challenges, makes informed decisions about the care of its historic sites and collections, and ensures those decisions reflect the needs of local communities now and in the future.

Participants will be asked for their views on HES’s proposed strategy, including its long-term vision and where the organisation should focus its efforts across its sites and collections.

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES said: “Scotland’s historic environment requires a shared stewardship approach and the Properties in Care and the Collections associated with them represent some of the best Scotland has to offer as part of that asset base.

“We manage these cultural heritage assets on behalf of Scottish Ministers and therefore the people of Scotland through a long state care tradition.

“We have both challenges and opportunities before us and this strategy seeks to set these out and how we will deal with them going forward.

“What we choose to do will have long lasting consequences so it’s important that all views are taken into account. We know how much these places mean to local communities, to the people of Scotland and those who visit us from overseas.

“They are truly sustainable assets for subsequent generations if we get our approach right – balancing benefits without placing the assets themselves at risk.

“That’s why we’re asking everyone to share their views. These places and objects are an integral part of Scotland’s identity and sense of place – they contribute to our economy and environment, enhance our health and wellbeing and together we have to ensure we get the right balance on what we do and how we do it.

“We’re asking everyone with an interest to take part and help shape the future stewardship approach.”

The consultation is available now on CitizenSpace and will remain open until 23 January 2026.

The final strategy is expected to be published in spring 2026.