One Pound Entry to Scotland’s Historic Sites for Young People
To celebrate the Year of Young People 2018, historic sites across Scotland are lowering their drawbridges and opening their gates to young people for the low price of one pound.
Historic Environment Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland and the Historic Houses Association are working with Young Scot to offer a historically low discount to young people who want to explore over 100 breathtaking paid for historic sites across Scotland.
There are over 670,000 Young Scot cardholders in Scotland – over two-thirds of all young Scots – and the card is available for free to all young people living in Scotland aged 11-26. To access the discount young people just need to present their card when buying their ticket. The discount will run throughout the Year of Young People 2018.
Throughout this partnership the heritage sector will engage young people and encourage them to learn, explore and experience more of Scotland’s history.
Mena Kirmani, Heritage Blueprint member, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for young Scots to explore Scotland’s history and celebrate the Year of Young People 2018. This comes directly from our work on the Heritage Blueprint so it’s amazing to see the heritage sector listening to young people and making our recommendations become a reality.”
From 1 March 2018, young people can explore 52 enchanting National Trust for Scotland sites such as the picturesque 17th century village of Culross, as seen featured in the popular TV drama Outlander and Banockburn, where the infamous, brutal battle was won by Robert the Bruce in 1314.
From February 2018, Historic Environment Scotland and Historic Houses Association will also be offering the Young Scot discount. From the 1st February, the discount will be available at 20 Historic Environment Scotland sites including one of Scotland’s most iconic visitor attractions, Edinburgh Castle, and will roll out at a further 34 seasonal properties later in the year. Bowhill Castle and Drummond Castle Gardens are among the 11 Historic Houses Association sites to offer the Young Scot discount.
Simon Skinner, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland, said: “The Heritage Blueprint produced by young Scots was a truly pioneering and influential piece of work – it reminded us that there are real barriers to overcome if we are put young people in touch with their country’s historic and naturally beautiful places.
“Their insights, and the opportunity presented to us by the Year of Young People 2018, encouraged us to do something about the issues raised. Price was a particular barrier and is what prompted us to propose the £1.00 entry offer. I think it is a wonderful thing that Historic Environment Scotland and Historic Houses Association have agreed to join with us to make this amazing offer.
“What our organisations have in common is that we are mere custodians – we care for these places so that they can be passed on to and enjoyed by future generations. It is therefore vital that we encourage young people to see and experience what will one day become theirs to cherish for the generations that follow them.”
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to offer Young Scot cardholders this fantastic opportunity to explore our historic sites for only £1.
“This year we will be putting young people at the heart of everything we do, celebrating the valuable contribution they already make and creating new opportunities to get involved with Scotland’s historic environment.
“I’d encourage Scotland’s young people to take advantage of this historic offer and go explore the country’s rich and diverse history first-hand – from magnificent Neolithic monuments in Orkney to the beautiful Border Abbeys.”
Lord Hopetoun, Chair of the Historic Houses Association Scotland, said: “We are delighted that many of our member properties are offering Young Scot cardholders the chance to visit for £1. These are some of Scotland’s most iconic properties, with centuries of history to be discovered, and are also living homes for our young visitors to explore and enjoy.”
Louise Macdonald, Chief Executive of Young Scot, said: “Young people have told us they are keen to explore Scotland’s historic treasures and heritage sites and it is wonderful to see the sector engaging with young people in this way. This new discount for Young Scot cardholders is a great example of the Year of Young People 2018 in action, with organisations working together to help young people experience Scotland’s rich history.”
List of sites
National Trust for Scotland
Broughton House & Garden, Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace, Threave Garden & Estate, Harmony Garden, Priorwood Garden, Robert smail’s Printing Works, House of Binns, The Georgian House, Gladstone’s Land, Inversk Lodge Garden, Malleny Garden, Preston Mill & Phantassie Doocot, Newhailes, Royal Burgh of Culross, Falkirk Palace and Garden, Hill of tarvit Mansion & Garden, Kellie Castle & Garden, Kellie Castle & Garden, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Bachelors’ Club, Souter Johnnie’s Cottage, Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park, Culzean Castle & Country Park, Greenbank Garden, Holmwood, Pollok House, The Tenement House, Weaver’s Cottage, Arduaine Garden, Crarae Garden, Geilston Garden, The Hill House, Alloa Tower, The Battle of Bannockburn, Moirlannich Longhouse, Branklyn Garden, Barry Mill, JM Barrie’s Birthplace, House of Dun & Montrose Basin nature Reserve, Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle Garden & Estate, Drum Castle Garden & Estate, Castle Fraser Garden & Estate, Leith Hall, Garden & Estate, Fyvie Castle Garden & Estate, Haddo House, Pitmedden Garden, Glenfinnian Monument, Glencoe Visitor Centre, Inverewe, Brodie Castle, Culloden, Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage & Museum.
Historic Environment Scotland
Aberdour Castle, Arbroath Abbey, Black House, Blackness Castle, Bothwell Castle, Caerlaverock Castle, Castle Campbell, Craigmiller Castle, Dallas Dhu Distillery, Dirleton Castle, Doune Castle, Dryburgh Abbey, Duff House, Dumbarton Castle, Dunblane Cathedral, Dunfermline Palace, Dunstaffnage Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Elgin Cathedral, Fort George, Glasgow Cathedral, Huntingtower Castle, Huntly Castle, Iona Abbey, Jedburgh Abbey, Linlithgow Palace, Melrose Abbey, New Abbey Corn Mill, Rothesay Castle, Skara Brae, St Andrews Castle, St Andrews Cathedral, St Vigeans, Stirling Castle, Sweetheart Abbey, Tantallon Castle, Maeshowe, Urquhart Castle.
Historic Houses Association
The list of participating HHAS properties includes; Arniston House, Ballindalloch Castle, Blair Castle, Bowhill House, Drumlanrig Castle, Drummond Castle Gardens, Dunvegan Castle, Hopetoun House, Inveraray Castle, Mount Stuart House and Thirlestane Castle.