Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Last Updated: 3 October 2024 13:52
Bringing iconic sites to life with characters at much-loved locations across Scotland from Saturday 12th to Sunday 20th October.
Just in time for the October Holidays, visitors will have the opportunity to witness history brought to life with Living History performances across a range of sites throughout the half term week. Soldiers from the Great War, a travelling apothecary, and Tudor history will all be heading to Edinburgh Castle. Linlithgow Palace will welcome a seamstress, offering the chance to learn about the fashions of the 16th century court in the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Heading north, Fort George will open its gates to soldiers from across military history, from the Gordon Highlanders of the Great War to a grenadier of the 43rd Regiment, the Black Watch.
Medieval musicians and embroiderers will take centre stage at Aberdour Castle, whilst a Medieval archer put on an impressive display at Caerlaverock Castle, and Doune Castle delves into the history of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. There's the chance to learn more about one of the oldest tomb effigies at Elgin Cathedral, plus discover the story of the Grant family and their struggles with the MacDonalds at Urquhart Castle.
Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “It’s great to welcome the Great Big Living History Week to so many of our iconic sites up and down the country. Living History is a brilliant way to engage with our heritage, and there’s nothing quite like meeting these skilled performers to bring the past to life.
“With such a range of historical performers to meet and many different eras to explore across our sites, the Great Big Living History Week really does offer something for everyone, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors along.”
Great Big Living History Week will take place at the following sites:
• Aberdour Castle & Gardens
• Blackness Castle
• Caerlaverock Castle
• Craigmillar Castle
• Doune Castle
• Dumbarton Castle
• Dunfermline Abbey
• Dunstaffnage Castle & Chapel
• Edinburgh Castle
• Elgin Cathedral
• Fort George
• Linlithgow Palace
• Melrose Abbey
• St Andrews Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Tantallon Castle
• Urquhart Castle
To add the autumn fun, there will also be some eerie activities to get stuck into this October with Historic Scotland’s programme of Halloween events, including Halloween Hijinks at Edinburgh Castle, the Silver Scream cinema screening at Linlithgow Palace, and Halloween Shenanigans at Craigmillar, Stirling and Urquhart Castles.
For opening times and to book tickets, visit historicenvironment.scot
Entry is free for Historic Scotland members.
Image credit: HES
Today, Friday 20 December, the IRN-BRU Carnival officially opens to the public, bringing all the fun of the fair to Glasgow's SEC for the 105th year!
READ MOREAfter becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.
READ MOREA generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.
READ MOREACCORD Hospice and The Art Department are announcing the call for entries for the annual exhibition which takes place for a 4th year in The Art Department.
READ MOREBraehead Shopping Centre has had an incredible year in 2024, marked by a wave of exciting new stores that have reinforced its position as one of Scotland's leading shopping destinations.
READ MORECaledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.
READ MORETicketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.
READ MOREThis family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.
READ MOREThe Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.
READ MOREJames Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.
READ MOREThe battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MOREFounder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MOREA unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.
READ MOREThis Sunday, 8th December, sees the first anniversary of Tinderbox coffee shop at Braehead Shopping Centre, located in lower level food mall.
READ MOREMarine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.
READ MOREIce hockey fans will get the chance to do their bit to help the less well-off by donating food items and toys at Glasgow Clan games this weekend.
READ MOREThree lucky Renfrewshire school children have had their artwork selected to be made into Christmas cards through the Provost’s Christmas Card competition.
READ MOREHundreds of women and men took to the streets of Paisley to call for an end to violence against women and girls.
READ MOREA beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.
READ MOREJasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.
READ MORE50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.
READ MORECrowds turned out in Johnstone's Houstoun Square on Saturday to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on for 2024.
READ MOREThe results are in for this year's Paisley's Best Dressed Christmas Window Competition!
READ MOREThe countdown to Christmas is on as Paisley's ice-rink and funfair opened their doors last night to kick off a month-long programme of festive activity taking place across the town centre.
READ MOREA family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!
READ MOREScottish brewer Innis & Gunn lifts the lid on the beer industry with a mockumentary starring real employees and comedians Paul Dockery and Katie McKenzie.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is marking the official start of the 2024 festive season with its delivery of 50,000 real Christmas trees, available at stores across the UK now.
READ MOREA popular trad music festival is set to return in 2025 – and it's adding an extra night due to demand!
READ MOREitison Drive In Movies Christmas adds final date after unprecedented demand with tickets for Elf & Love Actually on sale on Wednesday 27th November at 7.30am.
READ MORE