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Historic Scotland

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

03/06/2026

It's James Hutton's 300th birthday! 🎂🎉

Hutton is known as the 'father of modern geology'. The rock formations at Hutton's Section of Holyrood park helped spark his revolutionary idea 'deep time', changing our understanding of how the Earth was formed. 🌍⛰️

As we celebrate 300 years since his birth, join our Rangers for up-close access and fascinating insight into the landscape that sparked the science of geology.

📍 Find out more and book your space: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventid=feaf9373-7e41-46ca-9a57-b45700a682c7

02/06/2026

We’ve had such an incredible time travelling across Scotland uncovering fascinating stories from our sites to share with you all. Today the last episode in the current season is available to our members, if you’re not a member you’ll have to wait until next Tuesday 9 June! 🎧

In this episode Sarah MacGillivray travels to the mysterious Calanais Standing Stones to uncover what we know, and don’t know, about this incredible place. She also speaks to Dr Cat Dunn, curator of our ‘Archaeology and Empire’ exhibition about the embedded legacy of empire in some of the country’s oldest sites and historic landscapes.

You can listen to all episodes of the podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

31/05/2026

It’s been a couple of weeks since the last episode of Outlander aired….. have you recovered yet? Because we’re not entirely sure we have💔

Now that the final season has come to an end, celebrate World Outlander day tomorrow with a look back at the sites that swept us into the world of Jamie and Claire’s love story.

👀Also keep your eyes peeled for our sites doubling up as locations in the upcoming series 2 of the prequel Blood of My Blood!

Discover some of the real filming locations 👇
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/filming/

27/05/2026

Wildfire warning for Scotland ⚠️🔥

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued a very high wildfire danger alert:
- South West Scotland – Thursday, 28 May
- Eastern Scotland – Friday, 29 May to Monday, 1 June

Please:
- Do not light outdoor fires, BBQs, or campfires
- Dispose of ci******es responsibly
- Take all litter home (glass and rubbish can start fires)
- Stay alert when outdoors

🚨 If you spot a fire call 999 immediately and provide your location and any details to help crews respond quickly.

📷 Morton Castle in Dumfries and Galloway. Image credit: Lee Howard.

26/05/2026

In the latest episode of the Historic Scotland podcast we’re heading further than we’ve ever been before to explore the Hebridean Isle of Lewis and the incredible history the island holds.

Join Sarah as she shelters by the glowing hearth in The Blackhouse, Arnol and immerses herself in Hebridean life, hospitality, and history. The thick stone walls of The Blackhouse have kept wind and rain out through traditional skills passed down generation to generation.

Discover the community, resilience, and Gaelic traditions that endure to this day.
Listen now on your favourite podcast platform, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes. Our members get exclusive bonus content and early access to episodes too!

Have you been listening along to this season? Let us know your favourite episode so far.

📷©️Lee Howard

23/05/2026

In the early 1960s, while preparing a Dunfermline mill for demolition, surveyors uncovered something extraordinary: over 800 glass plate negatives dating from the late 1860s to 1919.

These images revealed a large variety of scenes ranging from Western Isles homes and Highland crofts near Ben Nevis to Argyll castles and busy Fife harbours.

The photographer, Erskine Beveridge, was a wealthy Dunfermline industrialist and an enthusiastic historian and archaeologist who would later become one of the finest amateur photographers of his generation.

Fascinated by landscapes, boats, buildings and archaeological monuments, Beveridge created beautifully composed images that show not just the places themselves, but what they meant to him.

'Wanderings with a Camera in Scotland', our book of the month, highlights one of the earliest and most remarkable photographic collections in the country. It makes the perfect gift for anyone who loves Scotland, photography or a little time‑travel through history.

📚 You can find it in our online shop: https://ow.ly/bvp050Z279E

22/05/2026

Dunstaffnage Castle today has the tranquil vibes of a fairytale castle, but once upon a time it was key in guarding our shores from seaward approaches from the Firth of Lorn. And you know what that means - Vikings! ⚔️

This weekend, voracious Vikings return to invade Dunstaffnage. You can learn about their weapons and invasion tactics, and even see the Vikings clash in a thrilling battle. But it's not all fighting - the Vikings made their lives here too. You can walk around the Vikings’ encampment and learn about what life was really like for the fearless warriors and their families when they first came to Scotland.

Join in the 'Funstaffage' at Dunstaffnage from 12pm-4pm Saturday and Sunday 🏰
https://ow.ly/iCzO50Z3881

20/05/2026

Huntly Castle sits in a beautiful setting in the green heart of the Aberdeenshire countryside. It was once called 'The fairest in the country', and the architecture continues to wow visitors today. But it's not just a pretty site - it's packed full of eventful history, and was the seat of one of medieval and Renaissance Scotland’s most powerful families.

Find out more about the history of this fascinating site at our archive talk next Monday. You can join us online or at John Sinclair House in Edinburgh.
Book now ➡️ https://ow.ly/vQR950Z0Zzp

18/05/2026

Wildlife at Tolquhon Castle 🏰🐦

The Forbes family may no longer call Tolquhon Castle home, but its towers and grounds are still full of life.

This spring, these beautiful swallows have made the castle their nesting place. they’re a wonderful reminder that heritage sites are also thriving habitats for wildlife.

Why not pop along and enjoy the tranquillity for yourself? Take a stroll, soak up the history, and see what wildlife you can spot. You never know what might be waiting around the next corner…

🕐 Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm

Photos from Lauren and Mhairi who work at the castle.

17/05/2026

Today is World Baking Day and what better excuse to treat yourself to something sweet and get cracking on some delicious bakes🥣

Celebrate with traditional Scottish recipes. From crumbly shortbread to classic scones, our online stop has a wonderful collection of Scottish baking and cook books. Filled with recipes and stories inspired by Scotland’s cuisine, they’re a lovely way to bring a taste of history into your home.

And members enjoy 20% off on the entire collection🥳
Find your next bake here: https://stor.scot/collections/cookbooks

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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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