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
The Museum of Lead Mining has closed for the winter. However, you can still visit our tearoom and shop on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am until 3pm for a hot drink, snacks and cake!
READ MOREOver 30,000 runners will participate in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run this weekend, making it the biggest staging of the event yet!
READ MOREComedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show, I've Been Sitting On This For A While!, out on tour across Scotland later this month!
READ MOREAfter a string of sold-out events across the US, Amazing Silent Discos is bringing its unforgettable retro silent disco to the iconic Old Fruitmarket for one night only on Saturday 2 November!
READ MOREIf you're looking for exciting ways to keep the kids entertained this half-term, look no further than Northern Ireland!
READ MOREExhibition on Screen brings the National Gallery's stunning Van Gogh exhibition to the big screen, along with a deep dive into his fascinating life and incredible skill.
READ MOREHistorical re-enactors will be heading to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October for this year's Great Big Living History Week!
READ MOREThe Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has today revealed the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
READ MORELanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have announced local charity 'Who Dares Cares' as Charity Partner for their 2025 Production of Sunshine on Leith.
READ MOREPeople affected by pregnancy and baby loss will be joining together to take part in a range of activities to remember and talk about their babies this Baby Loss Awareness Week.
READ MOREThe Beat the Street East Kilbride game is set to enter its Go Explore week to encourage participants to find the area's best heritage and cultural gems.
READ MOREEscape to the country this autumn for plenty of family fun, come rain or shine at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride!
READ MOREM&D's Scotland's Theme Park has unveiled details of its new immersive horror experience as it gets set to celebrate Darktober, a month of seasonal spooky activities!
READ MOREMiller Homes, Scotland's leading homebuilder, is brightening the streets across the West of Scotland this autumn as it celebrates the fifth anniversary of its Home Safe campaign.
READ MOREEvent that welcomed huge crowds at Dean Castle, will add a sprinkle of stardust with magical festive fun held at both the original venue and a new location at Beecraigs Country Park.
READ MORELeading Scottish camping and outdoor specialist brand, Vango, has announced it is working with VisitScotland to promote responsible tourism across the country.
READ MOREEx Scotland rugby internationals Tim Visser and Kath Vass joined 800 Men and Women for Vets Fest 2024 to Celebrate Vets Rugby and Raise Funds for Wooden Spoon.
READ MOREFuture Woodlands Scotland and bp are on a mission to add more trees and green spaces to Scotland’s cities and towns.
READ MOREThe Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today invites music fans to ‘Have their SAY’ and vote for their favourite Scottish album, plus announces Karen Dunbar and more as judges.
READ MOREFor a limited time, Cineworld presents a seismic lineup of blockbuster favourites, new and old, in immersive 4DX – all for just £5 a ticket or £3 for Unlimited members.
READ MOREFamily attraction Flip Out is gearing up for a Halloween experience with an apocalyptic theme!
READ MOREStep into the magic of the festive season at New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transformed into a winter wonderland for Christmas!
READ MORECaptain Fantastic, the UK's leading children's party company, is supporting Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland with two fun interactive online parties.
READ MOREMake waves this Christmas with Lost Shore’s Festive Dining Experience, an indoor winter wonderland with fire pit drinks, sharing menu, festive cocktail offering and option for surf lessons.
READ MOREThe Multiyear Partnership Includes New Game and Special Offers at Topgolf Glasgow.
READ MOREPlayers in the Beat the Street East Kilbride game can clock up double points this week by walking or cycling to work or school rather than taking the car.
READ MOREWith Scottish legends Lulu and Travis, Dundee's own Kyle Falconer and rising Scots star Calum Bowie among the first winners to be announced.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is welcoming kids across the country to its Little Scare-lings Howl-o-ween party this October for a frightfully fun time!
READ MORESeachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled dates for its fourth edition under the theme Ceanglaichean gun Chrìch, which signifies Building Connections in English.
READ MOREThe world's first amputee ultra-distance runner who was blown up and escaped execution has defied the odds again by finishing a solo 500-mile challenge in double-quick time.
READ MORE