Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Last Updated: 8 October 2025 14:34
Historic characters return to 15 iconic sites in immersive programme during the October school holiday.
From Saturday 11 October to Sunday 19 October, costumed performers will animate castles and heritage sites throughout the country with storytelling, music and more - fun for all ages. A fresh lineup of characters will deliver lively, family-friendly experiences that make history unforgettable. At Edinburgh Castle, the programme will run daily until Sunday 26 October and at Urquhart Castle, it will run daily until Friday 24 October.
The programme features dynamic costumed performers who bring Scotland’s past vividly to life. Expect everything from knights and musicians to skilled craftspeople and colourful courtiers – with engaging encounters that spark imagination, deepen understanding and create lasting memories.
Gillian Urquhart, Events Manager at HES, said: “Autumn is a great time to visit our sites and this October we are offering visitors the opportunity to converse with a courtier, meet a medieval knight, speak to a royal King and Queen, and more. As an added extra to the visitor experience, our Living History programme is the perfect way to find out more about our sites and the people who lived and worked at them, and meet a range of historical characters along the way.”
Highlights include:
Aberdour Castle (Wednesday 15 and Saturday 18 October)
Step into the colourful world of the Renaissance at Aberdour Castle. Meet the talented ‘broidster’ to learn about intricate embroidery and life at court, including the often-overlooked stories of early Black Britons in the Stewart and Tudor periods, and enjoy the sounds of the past with a medieval musician, who’ll introduce you to period instruments and perform historic tunes.
Caerlaverock Castle (Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 October)
Characters from the past return to Caerlaverock Castle as engaging characters share what life was like in Scotland through the ages. Visitors can also meet the fletcher to learn about the craft of arrow-making and the fascinating – if slightly squeamish – methods of medieval surgical tools.
Dumbarton Castle (Saturday 11, Sunday 12 and Saturday 18 October)
Explore Dumbarton Castle’s rich heritage with costumed characters. The fletcher returns to demonstrate the skills of a medieval archer, explaining how arrows were designed and the vital role archery played in defence and survival, and on Sunday 12 October, visitors can meet a figure from the castle’s storied past.
Dunfermline Abbey (Wednesday 15 and Friday 17 October)
Visitors can meet King Malcolm III and Queen Margaret on Wednesday 15 October to find out more about how the Abbey played a part in their story, and on Friday 17 October, a medieval calligrapher will be on-site.
Edinburgh Castle (Daily from Saturday 11 to Sunday 26 October)
There is a jam-packed programme at Edinburgh Castle, with daily performances including characters such as the King’s master gunner (Saturday 11 – Monday 13 October) who will explain the extensive preparations that went into transporting Mons Meg to Northumberland in 1497, as well as an archer (Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 October) who will tell visitors about his 15th century crossbow, protective clothing and archer’s shield.
From Monday 20 – Wednesday 22 October, the musician to both King James IV and King James V will be on-site to show visitors his collection of instruments. From Friday 17 – Sunday 19 and Thursday 23 and Friday 24 October, visitors will get to meet a variety of characters to find out what life was like in Edinburgh Castle in the medieval period and the 16th century.
On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, visitors will meet a range of characters from the Castle’s eerie past to celebrate Halloween.
Fort George (Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October, and Wednesday 15 – Sunday 19 October)
Explore Fort George’s military history. Discover what it was like to serve in the Seaforth Highlanders who were based at Fort George for over 80 years, learn about the life of a soldier from Sgt Hugh Fraser, the Power Sgt., and meet one of the barrack’s Military Police.
Linlithgow Palace (Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 October)
Historic music and craftsmanship bring Linlithgow Palace to life. Hear the stirring sounds of Renaissance music on Monday, performed on instruments like the lute, cittern and Renaissance guitar by the ‘Lauter’. Then on Tuesday, meet the ‘broidster’ and discover the art of courtly embroidery, along with stories of life in the royal court – including the presence of early Black Britons during the Stewart and Tudor eras.
Urquhart Castle (Saturday 11 – Friday 24 October)
Meet a medieval knight at Urquhart Castle during October. While he may not be clad in full shining armour, he’ll share what life was really like for a knight at this iconic stronghold – from daily routines to military duties. On weekends, return to hear different voices from the castle’s past, offering fresh perspectives on Urquhart’s dramatic history.
Travel back in time this summer and meet a cast of colourful characters as part of HES’s Living History programme. Included in the standard ticket price, the characters can be found at 15 sites across Scotland. To view the full programme, visit the HES website.
Entry is free for Historic Scotland members and Explorer Pass holders. The Historic Scotland Explorer Pass allows visitors to explore 5,000 years of history over just 14 days.
Image: Living History
Image credit: Michael Boyd
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween Festival delivers a frightfully fun weekend for all
Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
A decade of cultural impact to be celebrated at anniversary concert
Celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, Fèis Phàislig, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween festival shows visitors a wicked good time!
Paisley Halloween Festival is back at its spooky best as thousands of visitors attended the first night of the festival.
READ MORE
The Beat the Street Renfrewshire winners are announced
The winners of the latest Beat the Street challenge in Renfrewshire have now been announced!
READ MORE
Paisley crowned as Town Of The Year
Judges in the Scotland Loves Local Awards awarded the title after being impressed by the critical point reached in the town's 'resurgence' amid unprecedented investment in its future.
READ MORE
Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk
The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk.
READ MORE
Braehead just got cooler as Snowflake Gelato debuts in Scotland
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, is delighted to announce the arrival of Snowflake Gelato.
READ MORE
Community curated film festival brings world class cinema to Greenock this Galoshans Festival
Free and low-cost screenings showcase Horror, Heritage, and Homegrown Talent selected by local curators and young people.
READ MORE
Aldi to open a pop up pumpkin patch in Renfrew this Halloween for one day only
Families are in for a spook-tacular surprise this Halloween, as Aldi is transforming part of its Renfrew store into a pop-up Pumpkin Patch on Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE
Halloween takes over town this weekend
Paisley Halloween Festival will return this weekend with a packed programme to fright and delight visitors!
READ MORE
The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
Horror Con Scotland takes over Paisley Town Hall this Halloween Weekend
Scotland's scariest convention is heading to Renfrewshire for a two-day Halloween spectacular!
READ MORE
Help Provost Cameron light up Renfrewshire this Christmas
Renfrewshire's Provost, Lorraine Cameron is once again inviting children of primary school age to design a Christmas card for 2025.
READ MORE
Grab some Buddie Good Deals here in Paisley town centre this October!
Grab some Buddie Good Deals in Paisley town centre from Saturday 11th October until Saturday 25th October.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links