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Your guide to our nation's finest historic attractions and legendary days out with Historic Scotland,

23/06/2026

This Saturday and Sunday Spectacular Jousting returns to Linlithgow Palace for an epic weekend of incredible action. Will you be there? 🐴⚔️🥳

You can view the full programme now on our website to plan your day and make sure you don't miss a minute of the action. Here's a sneak peak of all the exciting things you can witness, with two epic jousting bouts, falconry displays, living history demonstrations, and a whole medieval encampment to explore, and so much more!

Please note that we are operating a 'park and stride' for this event, you can find out more information on our event listing.

Our members can get their ticket completely free so there's no reason not to join us this Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June! So saddle up Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace

Tickets available on our website: https://ow.ly/7yxP50ZfyrP

21/06/2026

In June 1566, James VI & I was born, making Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, a first-time dad. But the father of the future king was less playing football in the back garden and more plotting against mama bear, Mary, Queen of Scots. 👑

Here are 5 reasons why Lord Darnley was a terrible dad:

1. Missing important dates: Baby James was christened in December 1566 at Stirling Castle. Guess who didn’t show? That’s right! Lord Darnley. Instead of attending his son’s big day, he was wrapped up in his own grievances and power struggles.

2. Toxic marriage: Family life was already off to a shaky start. Darnley’s marriage to Mary quickly turned sour, and he was involved in the brutal murder of David Rizzio (Mary’s secretary and rumoured confidant) right in front of the pregnant queen.

3. Absent father: To be fair, this wasn’t entirely his fault. Darnley was murdered in February 1567 when James was only about eight months old. Still, his absence meant he played virtually no role in his son’s upbringing.

4. Power over parenting: Darnley was far more interested in securing the crown matrimonial (a share of royal power) than in being a supportive husband or father.

5. Reputation for instability: Contemporary accounts paint Darnley as arrogant, unpredictable, and immature. Rather than building alliances or providing stability, he alienated nobles and created tension at court.

If your dad is only slightly less terrible than Lord Darnley, he deserves a token of your love! And if you've left it too late we've got the perfect solution and an instant download!

Gift endless days out with a Historic Scotland membership this Father’s Day: https://stor.scot/pages/historic-scotland-memberships

20/06/2026

Hear ye! Hear ye! 🔔

There’s just a week to go until lances tilt on the tournament field in the shadow of Linlithgow Palace as Spectacular Jousting returns on Sat 27 & Sun 28 June for an epic weekend of unmissable knightly valour.

Gasp and cheer as our knights display their incredible skills, explore the Living History camps, and watch birds of prey in flight across the Peel.

This event is free for our members, so if you’ve got weekend plans, cancel them immediately and come to see this epic display!

All that’s left to check is who’s ready! Jousters? Ready! Lances? Ready! Horses? Neighhhhhh 🏇

Please note we are operating a park and stride for this event, signage will direct you to the carparking and then staff will be on hand to point you to the jousting. If you’re travelling car free, then Linlithgow is extremely well-connected by train and bus, so please choose this option if you can.

Tickets available here: https://ow.ly/7uN250ZexP1

See you on the tourney field! 🥳

19/06/2026

After spectacular scenes at the opening game, we’re so ready for round two against Morocco tonight, even though it’s a late one! ⚽

We’ll be raising a dram of the Hampden Pour, the official whisky of Scotland National Team as the game kicks off, will you? Like the team, it’s a lively blend that’s full of flavour.

So raise a glass to the team, and feel the Hampden Roar, wherever you are!
https://ow.ly/sxgg50ZexJk

If you're a whisky enthusiast, we also have a limited edition 'Defender Of The Nation' whisky. Aged for 17 years, this is not to be missed! https://ow.ly/a2Zb50ZexMW

If you're looking for a bit of reading to keep you occupied until kick off, you can discover the history of First Hampden, Scotland's first football ground on our blog: https://ow.ly/Lbjo50ZexLi

18/06/2026

Huntly Castle's story was shaped by the Gordon family. The lands were passed to them by King Robert the Bruce in the 14th century, and they went on to establish themselves as the most powerful magnates in the north of Scotland. In what became 'Gordon country', they built one of Scotland’s most impressive late medieval buildings. 🏰

The royalist Gordon family fought for hundreds of years for the Stuart kings of Scotland, defending their castle in the king's name. This weekend, see some of these castle defenders brought to life in our event A Castle for the King!

Find out more and get in on the Gordon action: https://ow.ly/wcf550Z9nvL

17/06/2026

Who's afraid of the big bad Wolf of Badenoch? 🐺

On this day in 1390, the Wolf (Alexander Stewart) and a band of ‘wyld wykkyd helandmen’ burnt Elgin Cathedral together with 18 residences of the canons and chaplains.

One of the most notorious villains in Scottish history, the Wolf was known for many lawless pursuits as he consolidated his power in the North during his lifetime. However, the burning of the cathedral his biggest statement yet. As a result of his actions, he was excommunicated. Many accounts we have of him were written from the perspective of the church, his biggest adversaries, so they may have exaggerated parts of his wicked deeds.

Begun in 1224, Elgin Cathedral was the principal church of Moray. Nicknamed 'The Lantern of the North,’ it was one of Scotland’s most ambitious and beautiful medieval buildings. It was once richly carved and adorned with stained glass and painted decoration, and some hints of it that visitors can see today hint at its grandeur. Though the cathedral was rebuilt after the Wolf's visit, parts of it do date back to this time.

📷Gary Murison

15/06/2026

You climb to the top of White Tower Crag, and admire the views of water all around you. But what's that on the horizon? Is that...longboats? Oh no, it's Vikings! ⚔

Dumbarton Castle was a stronghold at the heart of an ancient kingdom in the area now known as Strathclyde. As a border stronghold, it defended against threats from abroad, including Viking raids. The Rock was besieged several times, including famously by Viking kings Olaf and Ivar of Dublin in 870 who brought 200 longships and looted the castle's treasures after a four month siege.

Want to find out more about Dumbarton's Viking history? Join in the fun with our Visiting Vikings event this weekend (Sat 20 & Sun 21 June). Viking warriors will be on hand at the castle to show of their weapons and invasion techniques. 🏰

Book now: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=82887644-c5bb-4382-baa2-a60100d65022

14/06/2026

Linlithgow Peel might seem like a peaceful and serene place to walk in the glorious summer sunshine, but in just a few weeks from now it will transform into an epic arena of knightly valour.

Legends will be forged as the ring of steel echoes around the Palace and Peel and one knight will emerge victorious. Will you be cheering on those who display valourous chivalry, or rooting for the dastardly Ser Checkmate FitzPercy and his shameful antics?

You can also experience what life might’ve been like in a medieval encampment as living history performers from across Scotland set up camp to celebrate the tournament. Witness amazing falconry displays as birds of prey take flight over the Peel.

Secure your ticket for the best tournament in town this Sat 27 and Sun 28 June, we’ll see you on the tournament field: https://ow.ly/pusJ50Z7z72

©️📸Phoenix Photography Scotland

13/06/2026

As the Tartan Army gathers across the pond to cheer on the Scottish Men's return to the World Cup, we'll be staying up for kick off at 2am, will you? ⚽😀

We're marking this momentous occasion by looking back at our footballing heritage on our online blog and pulling together a special collection on our online shop.

Pour a dram to toast the team at kick-off with the official Hampden Pour whisky, crafted to celebrate the big moments. Up front are bold flavours of ripe berries and smooth vanilla, with a classic backline of cherry, honey and a touch of spice! Or take pun-prep to the next level and raise a dram of the limited edition 'Defender of the Nation' Whisky!

You can also show your dedication to the team by sporting some Lion Rampant clothing. Be subtle with a sock symbol, or go bold and emblazon the lion across your t-shirt.

Explore the full collection on our website: https://stor.scot/collections/scotland-world-cup-football-collection

Come on Scotland! 💙⚽

11/06/2026

If you're still stuck on a gift to get for Father's Day this year, then why not gift a year of epic adventures and family days?

A gift membership unlocks free entry to sites across Scotland, a discount in our cafes, gift shops, and online shop, and so much more. You'll be gifting over 2,000 years of Scottish history to explore and memories to last a lifetime.

Find out more and purchase gift membership on our website: https://ow.ly/ZCzh50Z7Ati

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Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

01316688600

Website

http://www.historicenvironment.scot/

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