April events at Historic Scotland sites

For more information on any of these events visit Historic Scotland here. Historic Scotland Members’ discount available.

In the Footsteps of John Muir – Stirling Castle – Saturday 2 February 2019 to Sunday 28 April 2019

Exploring the landscape that inspired John Muir, a leading Scottish American environmental conservationist and known in America as the “Father of the National Parks”, this photography exhibition traces Muir’s travels from his childhood in Dunbar to the American National Parks he helped to establish. Presented by the American Scottish Foundation, the works of Scottish photographer Ken Paterson shares the beauty of both Scottish and American wilderness that John Muir was so passionate about.

Historic Glass and Glazing Conservation – Forth Valley College –  Selected dates from Wednesday 27 March 2019 to Wednesday 17 April 2019

This course will explore a range of issues associated with the manufacture, use and conservation of plain and decorative glass, and traditional glazing systems, in Scotland’s historic built environment. You will get a historic overview of these materials, from their early beginnings in the Roman period and early 17th-century glassmaking industries, to technological advancements and innovation in their manufacture today. Study the science of glass manufacture, its composition,  and its physical properties.

Castle Construction  – The Engine Shed – Selected dates from Monday 1 April 2019 to Friday 12 April 2019

Learn all about castle construction this Easter holiday. Castles are some of Scotland’s biggest, most important buildings. It took a lot of skill to construct them, including teams of quarrymen, carpenters, stonemasons, blacksmiths, and labourers. They didn’t have the machinery or tools of today to help them, and during the Medieval period, castles were built using equipment like pulleys and simple wood or stone tools. Become medieval quarrymen, builders and stonemasons for the day. Find out the easiest way to transport the stone needed to build your castle. Figure out how to get the sand the builders needed for the mortar to the top of the castle where they were working. Discover how different castle construction was from today! Please note: Activity suitable for ages 7+. Parental/guardian supervision is required for the duration of the activity. Additional information: We’ll provide all the materials you’ll need.

Standing Stones of Stenness Walk – Stones of Stenness Circle and Henge – Selected dates through to Wednesday 3 April 2019

Join the Orkney Ranger Service for a free guided tour of our oldest stone circle, and explore the fascinating links with the nearby Neolithic village of Barnhouse.

Conservation of Surface Finishes  – Forth Valley College –  Selected dates from Thursday 4 April 2019 to Friday 12 April 2019

Discover the history and conservation of a range of internal and external surface finishes traditionally used on Scotland’s historic buildings. Study the science behind paints and coatings and the complex issues involved in the conservation of historic finishes today. This course offers a historic overview of the use of paints and other coatings in Scottish architectural traditions, from the medieval period through to the 20th century.

Guided Building Tours –  – The Engine Shed – Selected dates from Saturday 6 April 2019 to Saturday 7 December 2019

Join us for a free guided tour of our building – Scotland’s dedicated building conservation centre. Our building in Stirling was once a military goods and transfers shed, built sometime between 1896 and 1913. The exact details of its construction were subject to an information blackout and are still unknown today.  During the guided tour, you’ll learn more about our building including its extensive restoration.

Unicorn –  Stirling Castle – Saturday 6 April 2019 to Sunday 7 April 2019

Celebrating Scotland’s national animal! Discover more about this mythical beast. Why not get some face art and become a unicorn yourself? Join in on the quiz and see how many you can spot around the castle.

Scotland from the Sky – Glasgow Cathedral – Dates through to Sunday 7 April 2019

Scotland from the Sky brings a selection of the breathtaking aerial photography, featured in the book of the same name, on a tour of some of our most atmospheric properties.

The Scots Who Built The White House – The Engine Shed – Selected dates through to Friday 12 April 2019

In 1794, seven Scottish stonemasons left Edinburgh New Town for Washington DC to help build the official residence of the President of the United States. Explore their story in our new exhibition. Discover how the stonemasons honed their craft in Edinburgh New Town, and left their mark on the U.S. Presidential Residence at the White House. Learn how their legacy still survives in modern Scottish stonemasonry, and how we are celebrating our links across the Atlantic.

Wax Carving Workshop – Duff House – Saturday 13 April 2019

 Using jewellers wax, you’ll have the opportunity to carve a ring in this unique workshop with Silver Smith Megan Falconer. Try out a new technique to achieve something very special. Once your ring has been carved, it will be transformed into silver and delivered back to you. This workshop is ideal for all levels, from complete beginners to those with some experience. All materials are provided. Due to the intricate nature of the work in this workshop, good eyesight and hand dexterity are needed.

Etch a silver ring workshop – 10am – 12pm at Duff House or 1pm – 5pm at The Smiddy (Vanilla Ink) – Sunday 14 April 2019

Spend the morning at Duff House, exploring this magnificent Georgian House looking for inspirational images and patterns. In the afternoon, experiment with patterns and using acid to etch a design onto a chunky silver band. In four hours, you will create a design and make a silver ring completely unique to you in the beautiful Smiddy in Banff. No experience needed, and all materials are provided. Please bring a camera, smart phone or sketch book with you to capture your favourite images. Due to the intricate nature of the work in this workshop, good eyesight and hand dexterity is needed.

Easter Eggsplorer Trails – Multiple Venues – Friday 19 April 2019 to Monday 22 April 2019

Join in our Easter eggsploration through some of our most iconic castles, abbeys, forts and palaces. Can you find all the clues to complete the challenge? This event is included in the normal admission price. Free for Historic Scotland Members’.

Willow Weaving Workshop – Duff House – Friday 19 April 2019 to Saturday 20 April 2019

 Come and help our wonderful willow weaver David Powell create a giant sculpture which will be displayed on the lawn of Duff House. Both days are drop-in and first come, first served.

Master Builders: Working with Stone  – The Engine Shed – Saturday 27 April 2019

Join us for stone day – the very first day our new Master Builders programme. Families can get hands on with the skills used to conserve Scotland’s traditional buildings.

Lowry’s Canal and Factories – Duff House – Selected dates through to Sunday 12 May 2019

View a masterpiece by one of the most popular British artists of the twentieth century. Laurence Stephen Lowry’s Canal and Factories, is the latest in the now long-established annual ‘Masterpiece’ loan from National Galleries of Scotland to the Georgian mansion in Banff. Largely inspired by his native Manchester and nearby Salford, Lowry’s cityscapes, populated by his famous ‘matchstick’ people, focused affectionately on the the mills, factories and smoking chimneys of industry. These composite scenes mixed reality and imagination to create Lowry’s own powerful and unforgettable vision of modern industrialism. Included in the normal admission price.