Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Last Updated: 28 March 2024 13:21
Castle which held Mary, Queen of Scots prisoner, iron age fort and defences from the Napoleonic wars among more than 20 iconic attractions set to welcome visitors back.
Familiar and popular seasonal sites will be welcoming visitors again as we head into spring, as well as several heritage locations reopening following high-level masonry inspections.
With Lochleven Castle, which famously held Mary, Queen of Scots prisoner on her return from France, Iron Age archaeology at the Broch of Gurness and dark historical tales from Hermitage Castle just a few of the visitor experiences on offer, there truly is something for everyone to experience over the coming months.
From Easter weekend, visitors can head to attractions including Inchcolm Abbey, Spynie Palace and Newark Castle. Also reopening will be Stanley Mills, home to fascinating industrial history and the prehistoric Cairnpapple Hill.
Visitors can find out more about sites reopening in their area and plan their visits on the Historic Environment Scotland website.
Several sites will also reopen this spring following high-level masonry inspections. Access restrictions were put in place at some sites as a safety precaution while HES introduced new measures to manage the impact of climate change on its heritage assets. While this is not an issue unique to Scotland, HES is one of the first to proactively tackle it. Some additional sites that will be welcoming visitors following their inspections include Elcho Castle, Lochranza Castle and Bothwell Castle.
Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing & Engagement at HES, said:
“It’s fantastic to be able to welcome visitors back to so many of our iconic sites this season. These historic attractions contain invaluable stories about Scotland’s past, and we’re thrilled that these places can once again be enjoyed by people across the country.
“We’re also pleased to be able to reopen and increase access at further sites following high-level masonry inspections, with over 90% of our estate open for the public to explore and enjoy.”
Some partial restrictions may remain in place at some sites while the high-level masonry programme is ongoing. Booking in advance is recommended at all ticketed sites.
Information about individual sites, including opening dates and times, can be found at historyawaits.scot
Image: Lochleven Castle
Image credit: Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!
READ MORE
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Calling all Gingers!
The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Stellar year of successful events in Renfrewshire
It's been another successful year of events in Renfrewshire which attracted more than 120,000 attendees and generated more than £4.4million for the local economy.
READ MORE
First music, fitness and wellness festival in Scotland unveils all star programme for 2026 debut
Paisley Alive, Scotland's first festival to unite music, fitness and wellness, has confirmed the full programme for its inaugural event in Barshaw Park on 4 July 2026.
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands
One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre is your place for festive fashion, food and fun this Christmas
Christmas is in full swing at Braehead Shopping Centre, and Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination is once again the place to celebrate the magic of the festive season!
READ MORE
Lights on in Linwood
Crowds turned out in Linwood to see the town's Christmas lights switched on for 2025.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire and Ayrshire and Arran Lieutenancies host Together at Christmas Community Carol Service
This year, Renfrewshire along with Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Ayrshire will join communities across the UK in hosting a 'Together at Christmas' Community Carol Service in Paisley Abbey.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy
DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
The Duck Hunt is back bigger and better with over 150 ducks hidden across Glasgow and beyond!
READ MORE
Work to start on six play parks across Renfrewshire
Investment in Renfrewshire's play parks continues with work set to begin on a further six play parks.
READ MORE
Unique approach of Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of young people in Paisley
The unique legacy of globally-renowned Paisley designer and artist Dr Pam Hogg will inspire the next generation of creative talent, her proud home community says.
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Step into Christmas at Dalmeny Park with special festive menus and afternoon teas this December
Dalmeny Park is pulling out all the stops to make this festive season truly magical, unveiling its 2025 festive dining menus and afternoon teas available until 23rd December.
READ MORE
Winter Connections programme returns to support communities across Renfrewshire
A brand-new programme of free fun activities and events returns with Renfrewshire’s praised Winter Connections.
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
New civic plaza and events space to be created in Erskine
A new civic plaza, garden and events space will be created in Erskine to provide a focal point for the local community.
READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre announces partnership to support local community
The partnership is calling on the local community to donate new children's pyjamas, ensuring every child in Renfrewshire has something cosy to unwrap this Christmas.
READ MORE
Erskine lights up for Christmas
Erskine's Christmas lights have been switched on for 2025 with locals turning out to enjoy the occasion!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links