Tickets now on sale for some of the top visitor attractions in Scotland
Scotland’s most famous historic heritage sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle, are getting set to lower their drawbridges!
Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
First Published: 14 April 2021 14:16
Updated: 14 April 2021 14:46
Online booking opens today (Wednesday 14 April) for some of Scotland’s most iconic sites as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) prepares to open the gates to more than 20 ticketed sites this month.
Tickets are now available for sites across the country allowing visitors to enjoy over 5,000 years of history. The historic sites, which include Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle, will reopen on Friday 30 April following the Scottish Government’s proposed dates for the reopening of the tourism sector and mainland Scotland moving to COVID protection level three.
New technology is also being implemented as part of HES’s new visitor offering. Visitors will be able to explore the stories of many of the sites in innovative ways through downloadable maps, family trails, quizzes and quests, music, poetry and personal accounts to tell stories throughout the centuries, videos exploring Gaelic culture and words, and digital fly throughs to areas of sites usually restricted to visitors.
Visitors will also be able to access audio tours on their mobile phones during their visit. Following an initial launch last autumn at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Doune Castle, the web app audio tours will now also be rolled out this spring at Fort George, Glasgow Cathedral, Jedburgh Abbey, Melrose Abbey and St Andrews Castle.
Visitors will be able to enjoy access to outdoor spaces at sites as well as some indoor spaces where safety measures have been put in place and physical distancing is possible. Some areas of sites, such as enclosed spaces, will remain closed to visitors, with full details for each site available on the HES website.
All visitors, including members, will be required to pre-book tickets online and to use contactless payment where possible; one-way systems will be implemented in some locations; visitors must wear face coverings in any indoor/enclosed spaces including retail and catering areas; and visitor numbers will be limited for safety reasons.
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES, said: “We know how keen our Historic Scotland members and visitors are to get back to our sites, so we’re delighted to reopen over 70% of our properties on Friday 30 April.
“Scotland’s heritage sector is a key part of our tourism offer – from providing jobs to increasing our wellbeing – and, in addition to reopening the sites that reopened last year, we will also reopen further sites across the country on a phased basis over the upcoming months.
“We hope visitors will also enjoy learning about the fascinating stories of our sites through our new technology – including QR codes, online videos and digital audio guides for an innovative insight into Scotland’s past.
“In line with Scottish Government guidance, safety measures have been implemented at our sites, and we look forward to welcoming visitors and members back for a safe and enjoyable visit.”
HES is Scotland’s biggest operator of visitor attractions, with over 300 properties in its care. Earlier this month, HES announced a phased approach to reopen its properties, with over 70% of its free to access and ticketed properties reopening on Friday 30 April. This date will also allow members of the public access to over 200 unstaffed and key-keeper sites across Scotland where HES can provide free and safe access and where physical distancing can be readily maintained.
All sites will follow the HES minimum operating standards, which were developed to set a benchmark for the safe reopening of historic sites and resumption of operational activities.
Tickets must be booked online in advance from the HES website. To book tickets, visit: restarthistory.scot
For information on further HES sites reopening, visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/news/plans-set-out-to-reopen-properties-as-covid-19-restrictions-ease/
Tickets can now be booked online for the following sites:
Aberdour Castle
Blackness Castle
Caerlaverock Castle
Craigmillar Castle*
Dirleton Castle
Doune Castle
Dryburgh Abbey
Dunblane Cathedral
Dundonald Castle
Dunfermline Abbey Nave
Edinburgh Castle
Elgin Cathedral
Fort George
Glasgow Cathedral
Huntly Castle
Jedburgh Abbey
Linlithgow Palace
Melrose Abbey
St Andrews Castle
St Andrews Cathedral
Skara Brae
Stirling Castle
Tantallon Castle
Urquhart Castle
* Free tickets will initially be available for Craigmillar Castle but must be pre-booked online.
Image: Stirling Castle / credit: Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Latest East Renfrewshire News
Outdoor theatre experience for kids at Eastwood Park
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure will host a free enchanting outdoor theatre experience to start the school summer holidays in style!
Nicola Benedetti and Iona Fyfe get behind Make Music Day Scotland this summer
Hybrid of in-person and online events planned in Scotland and across the UK to mark the global, annual celebration of music!
New walking tour app helps Glasgow get back on its feet!
From the latest graffiti murals to historic female icons that shaped Glasgow, get yourself outside this summer with the help of the new Glasgow Walking Tours app!
First Scottish Dance Band online concert series to launch this month
The first ever Scottish Dance Band online concert series is set to launch this month under the watchful eye of musician and BBC Radio Scotland presenter Gary Innes.
Mackies of Scotland and National Trust for Scotland announce partnership to get families exploring this summer
Families are invited to reconnect with the National Trust for Scotland properties they love, uncover clues as they explore and receive a delicious Mackie’s chocolate treat for their efforts.
New campaign to inspire residents to shop, explore and love East Renfrewshire
A bold and ambitious new place brand for East Renfrewshire has been unveiled featuring 17 local businesses.
People across Scotland urged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease
Scots are being encouraged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease, as research reveals almost half of adults who have met up with others have found it more overwhelming than expected.
A journey from lockdown back to live theatre 2021 to 2022
Join the National Theatre of Scotland on a journey back to live theatre as it celebrates a programme of new tours, returning productions, a World Premiere and its ongoing digital programme.
From Busby to Brazil... sculpture set to honour football legend
A new sculpture is set to honour the contribution of Thomas Donohoe, originally from Busby, East Renfrewshire, credited with first introducing football to Brazil in 1894.
Salvage Hunters want your location recommendations for their upcoming episode set to be filmed in Scotland
Salvage Hunters, the well-loved and most watched Discovery Network show is on the hunt for locations to feature in their special Scotland episode.
Dobbies announces virtual events to elevate your garden this summer
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced two virtual Expert Events to help gardeners elevate their green spaces this summer, no matter the size or style of their garden.
Cultural programme for UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Fan Zone unveiled
A packed programme of live performances has been announced for the UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Fan Zone, with Glasgow Green set to showcase Scotland’s diverse cultural scene!
itison give the chance to win a VIP Olympic experience with Sir Chris Hoy to raise funds for Social Bite
Win a VIP Olympic experience with Sir Chris Hoy or 90s throwback fitness class with Mr Motivator courtesy of itison... and help raise funds for Social Bite to break the cycle of homelessness.
Book browsing back for East Renfrewshire libraries
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has announced plans to reopen several libraries this month for book browsing, computer access and click and collect services.
Local charity shop reopens in Newton Mearns
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is thrilled to announce the long-awaited re-opening of its boutique shop on Ayr Road in Newton Mearns!
Charity thanks volunteers for the massive difference they make
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, is getting ready to celebrate Volunteers’ Week (1st – 7th June) by thanking their volunteers for the huge difference that they make to people’s lives.
Giffnock Primary School School Street trial set to launch
East Renfrewshire Council is set to pilot the area's first 'School Street' in a bid to reduce traffic and help create a safer environment for pupils at the busiest times of the day.
Scottish Opera returns to live performance with over 200 pop up opera shows this Summer
Scottish Opera returns to live outdoor performance for the first time in nine months, with its popular Pop-up Opera Roadshow, starting Thursday 10th June!
Ayr company scoops best ice cream in UK award!
Mancini's of Ayr has been voted the best ice cream manufacturer in the UK at the National Ice Cream Championships 2021 run by the Ice Cream Alliance, the sector's UK trade association.
Plans launched to plant ten trees for every person in Glasgow City Region
Over the next decade, ten trees for every man, woman and child in Glasgow City Region will be planted as part of a new urban ‘forest’ to tackle climate change.
Scottish Celebrity Chef backs charity Tartan Tea Party to celebrate Thank You Day
Michelin Star Chef Tom Kitchin is backing Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Tartan Tea Party to celebrate the nationwide 'Thank You Day' on Sunday 4th July.
Summer Holiday Fun with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a full programme of fun-filled holiday camps and activities to keep the kids active and entertained this summer.
Dobbies celebrates National Childrens Gardening Week with refreshed Little Seedlings and Ambassador launch
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced the online relaunch of its much-loved Little Seedlings Club, to support and celebrate National Children’s Gardening Week.
National Theatre of Scotland Creatively Engaging in 2021
National Theatre of Scotland announces a series of new digital creative engagement projects which explore themes of care and empathy.
Spaces for People measures to be introduced on Davieland Road
East Renfrewshire Council will be trialling temporary changes on Davieland Road, Giffnock, to make it easier and safer for people to move around.
Biscuit fans can book a stay in a CARAVAN Wafer this summer
Biscuit giant, Tunnock's, has teamed up with Argyll Holidays, Scotland's marketing leading holiday park operator in Argyll, to design and create the first ever official Tunnock's Caravan Wafer!
Jack and Victor raise a glass as whisky goes live
After months of speculation, two of Scotland's most famous old boys, Jack Jarvis Esq. and Victor McDade prove they're still here in spirit as their very own limited-edition dram goes on sale!
Get them growing and inspire the next generation of gardeners
Dobbies celebrates National Children’s Gardening Week 29th May - 6th June 2021. It’s the perfect time to nurture children and grandchildren’s interest in the great outdoors.
Aldi launches a lorry design competition for children across Scotland with Team GB
With just over two months until the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Aldi is running a nationwide competition with Team GB, calling on budding child artists to submit a design for its latest lorry.
Aldi champions local distillers as part of Scottish Spirits Festival
Aldi reveals the line-up for its in-store Scottish Spirits Festival, featuring a host of quality craft beverages from across Scotland that are perfect to add to your drink’s cabinet this summer.
Sponsored Links
