June events at Historic Environment Scotland sites

Tartan Ted does A Taste of Victoria!

13 May 2019

Scotland Events June 2019 …

17 May 2019

Published by Joan McAulay on 15 May 2019

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

The Big Stanley Mills LEGO Build – Stanley Mills – Saturday 1 June 2019 and Sunday 2 June 2019

Calling all LEGO enthusiasts. Join Alistair Jelks, local artist and LEGO enthusiast, to help build Stanley Mills Bell Mill out of LEGO. Learn about architecture and construction, and add your own section to the model. This event is for all ages, and is the perfect opportunity for families to get hands on and take part together.

Roman Camps in Scotland – HES Archives and Library – Monday 3 June 2019

Join Dr Rebecca Jones to explore Roman Camps in Scotland using archive research and aerial surveys. Follow this with a visit to the Search Room to see related material from the HES Archives.

D-Day – Fort George – Wednesday 5 June 2019 to Thursday 6 June 2019

On the anniversary of the D-Day landings, come along and learn the important role Fort George played in the preparations for the invasion of occupied Europe. Our performer will be at the Fort from 12pm-4pm on each day. Say hello at a time that suits you. This event is included in the Fort George admission price.

Leith Festival Gala Day – Trinity House – Saturday 8 June 2019

On 8 June we’ll be throwing open our doors to the public as part of the Leith Festival. Visitors to the house can take a self-guided tour, watch a film about Leith’s maritime history and see our new temporary exhibition about Leith’s sporting past. For younger visitors, why not take our bug trail and find out all about museum pests? This year we’ll also be on the Leith Links for object handling fun and local history chat.

The Rock of Ages – Dumbarton Castle – Saturday 8 June 2019 and Sunday 9 June 2019

Join us in the shadow of the rock to recreate the rich history of Scotland’s west coast, from the Roman Age through to the Second World War. This year the Vikings will play a starring role, celebrating Norse heritage in Scotland, and revealing how their influence continues today. Hear about the different stages of Viking activity, from raiding to conquest, and settlement to integration. You’ll come away asking yourself, ‘are we all Vikings?’ Book online in advance to receive a 10% discount.

Seashore Foraging – Blackness Castle – Sunday 9 June 2019

Explore the shore with Anna Canning from Floramedica and find out about some of the ancient natural remedies that can be found on Blackness beach.

Secrets of Melrose Abbey Museum Tour – Melrose Abbey – Select from 7 available dates through to Tuesday 11 June 2019

Join us on a guided tour and learn more about Melrose Abbey’s fascinating past through some of the artefacts that are on display in the Abbey’s museum. You may be surprised by some of the things that you will learn about Medieval Abbey life! The tour is included in the normal admission price but pre-booking is essential. Please phone Melrose Abbey on 01896 822 562 to reserve your place. The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Trinity House Packs a Punch – Trinity House – Wednesday 12 June 2019

On 12 June, Trinity House Packs a Punch – come inside from midday to view a new exhibition about Leith’s legendary boxers like Ken Buchanan and Jackie Brown. You can explore local sports heritage by looking at archive photography from Scran. Perhaps you used to spar? If so, there’ll be opportunity to grab a ringside seat and tell us your tales from the ropes. You’re sure to come out fighting! At 2pm visitors can also enjoy a tour of Trinity House with our junior guides from Leith Primary School.

Behind the Scenes: Paper Conservation at Historic Environment Scotland – HES Archives and Library – Wednesday 12 June 2019

The paper conservators at HES are responsible for the care of a broad range of archival material from 18th century historic drawings through to modern photographic negatives and prints. Come and see them in action and hear how they look after the HES Archive.

Insight Tour: Holyrood Palace Glasshouses and Gardens – Holyrood Palace – Saturday 15 June 2019

Founded by David I, Holyrood Abbey dates from 1128. The built remains are a testament to the royal patronage of the past. This patronage continues to this day at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Park of Holyrood. This important structure is under the care of Historic Environment Scotland(HES). One of the team that looks after the gardens will give a behind the scenes tour of the glasshouses and a guided walk around the palace grounds at this event. See how plants and flowers are brought on in the glasshouses to create beautiful displays each year for state visits. Learn about the variety of natural habitats in the garden landscape to the north. Look out at the skyline to the east and south for a reminder of long extinct volcanic activity. The Engine Shed is part of HES. Suitable for ages 16+.

The Natural History of the Antonine Wall – Antonine Wall: Croy Hill – Saturday 15 June 2019

In 142 AD, the Antonine Wall would have been a busy place. With 7,000 soldiers posted here, the Roman army needed a lot of supplies; not just food and water, but also building materials and firewood. They viewed the landscape surrounding the frontier as a resource, and modern research has shown that we can still trace the environmental impact of the Antonine Wall on the landscape. This guided walk with a Ranger and an Archaeologist will begin at Croy Hill and explore some of the military history from the Roman occupation, and also delve into how the Roman occupation affected the

Wildflower Wander (Linlithgow) – Linlithgow Palace – Saturday 15 June 2019

Join a Ranger on a guided walk to learn more about the flowers and plants that can be found around Linlithgow Loch and Peel. Discover some of the beautiful and scarce species which live on the Peel and find out what is being done to protect them.

Wuthering Heights – Stirling Castle – Wednesday 19 June 2019

This year, Chapterhouse Theatre Company is proud to present the wild and tempestuous love story of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, set on the beautiful and mysterious Yorkshire moors. This tale of passion and revenge has thrilled readers and audiences alike for generations and now, in an adaptation by award-winning writer Laura Turner, is set to entrance Chapterhouse audiences for an evening of theatre beneath the stars. Can Catherine and Heathcliff’s love endure, or will the forces of nature tear them apart? 10% discount for Historic Scotland Members.

Master Builders: Working with Fired Earth – Engine Shed – Saturday 22 June 2019

Join us for fired earth day, part of our new Master Builders programme, where families can get hands-on with the materials used to conserve Scotland’s traditional buildings. Fired earth is all around you. Used in lots of different ways, including brick buildings like Stanley Mills, it has been a key part of Scotland’s traditional buildings since the 1600s and is still widely used today. Roll up your sleeves and learn traditional brickmaking skills as you help make bricks using clay. Do you have what it takes to be a brickmaker? Don’t forget to pick up your Master Builder Log Book and to collect a stamp each time you visit to become a Master Builder!

Covenanters Besieged – Dirleton Castle – Saturday 22 June 2019 and Sunday 23 June 2019

In 1650 Dirleton Castle was besieged and badly damaged by 1,600 Cromwellian troops.Meet the defenders, both royalist and covenanters, find out the differences between Scots and English soldiers, walk through the working living history camp, handle weapons of the time, and watch as the soldiers perform an impressive pike drill.

Wildflower Wander (Holyrood Park) – Holyrood Park – Sunday 23 June 2019

Join a Ranger on a guided walk to learn more about the flowers and plants of Holyrood Park. Discover some of the beautiful and scarce species which live in Hunter’s Bog and find out what is being done to protect them.

Brick City – Stanley Mills – Select from 71 available dates through to Sunday 23 June 2019

Brick City is a celebration of iconic buildings from cities around the world, carefully recreated in LEGO® bricks by artist Warren Elsmore and his team. Access information: Please note there is no step-free access to the exhibition at Stanley Mills. Lift access is available to the floor below from where there are 15 wooden steps to reach the exhibition. These are wide and have a handrail either side.

Spectacular Jousting (Linlithgow) – Linlithgow Palace – Saturday 29 June 2019 and Sunday 30 June 2019

Hear the thunder of hooves and the clashing of lances as Linlithgow pre hosts our annual jousting tournament. Watch as noble knights battle it out to be crowned champion. Buy your event tickets online in advance to save 10%. Historic Scotland Members: Entry to the event is free so please do not buy tickets. Please have your valid membership cards ready to scan as this will speed up waiting times.

Garrisoned in a Rebellious Land – Fort George – Select from 13 dates through to Sunday 14 July 2019

Not all Scots were supporters of the doomed Jacobite Cause. Some chose to join the British army and fight for King George. Meet one of King George’s loyal Scots who is garrisoned at the newest and most up to date Fort in Britain. Hear about his daily routine from protecting the area from Jacobite attack as well as digging ditches and building the defences. The soldier will be stationed at the Fort from 12pm-4pm on each of the days. Drop by and say hello at your convenience. Included in admission price.

Water Safari – Linlithgow Palace – Selected dates through to Sunday 21 July 2019 (booking essential)

Discover Linlithgow Loch by Canadian canoe with the assistance of fully qualified instructors. Experience a different view of the Palace, loch and its wildlife from duck level. Suitable for beginners or those with some paddling experience. Families and groups of two or three can share a canoe. Not suitable for children under 8yrs old. 8-16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Members get a 10% discount. Meet at Low Port Reception. Bring a change of clothes and footwear.

A Loyal Man – Urquhart Castle – Select from 13 dates through to Sunday 21 July 2019

Meet a Jacobite clansman and find out more about his life and the role he played during this turbulent period in Scotland’s history. Get hands on with the weapons and equipment from the period.

Highland Militia – Fort George – Select from 12 dates through to Monday 22 July 2019

After the 1715 Jacobite uprising, Highland clans were forming militias in defence for the government. Ardent support for the king, at least in public. But were these militias pure of intent, or did the harbour Jacobite ambitions? Come along and find out today. Our performer will be on hand from 12pm-4pm. Come and say hello at any time. Included in admission price.

Enemy at the Gate – Urquhart Castle – Select from 8 dates through to Sunday 28 July 2019

Meet a Jacobite Soldier and hear his tale of attacking the castle and why the castle now lies in ruins.

Trinity House Tuesdays – Trinity House – Select from 15 dates through to Tuesday 30 July 2019

Once the base of the Incorporation of Mariners and Shipmasters, the elegant Georgian Trinity House holds an outstanding collection of maritime treasures. Your tour will begin in the 16th century vaults where a short video will introduce you to Trinity House and its place in the history of Leith. You will then be guided through the house and its contents by the House Manager before the tour culminates in the impressive Convening Room where Raeburn portraits adorn the walls and an eclectic collection of maritime and local history objects can be seen. Tours are free, but booking is essential. Book your place now

A Sword for my Chief – Urquhart Castle – Select from 12 dates through to Saturday 3 August 2019

Meet one of the loyal clansmen of the Lord of the Isles as he prepares to join his fellow Highlanders in the siege of Urquhart Castle. This presentation incorporates a weapons and costume demonstration involving members of the public. Included in admission price.

In the Footsteps of John Muir – Multiple Venues – Selected dates through to Tuesday 6 August 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.

James Watt: Power to the World – Engine Shed – Select from 104 available dates through to Friday 23 August 2019

Explore the life, work, and legacy of James Watt and his reinvention of the steam engine in our new exhibition. On 25 April 1769, James Watt patented the ‘seperate condenser’. This invention revolutionised the steam engine, and became the driving force behind the Industrial Revolution. In our new exhibition ‘James Watt: Power to the World’, learn all about who James Watt was, and how he worked hard to create a more effective steam engine. Discover the impact he had on Britain’s industry, architecture, and engineering, which you can still see today.

Arthur’s Adventure – Holyrood Park – Select from 12 dates through to Monday 26 August 2019

Come along on a more challenging guided walk to learn about Arthur’s Seat’s turbulent past, created by fire and ice! Find out about the people who lived and worked in the Park from 7000 years ago up until the present day and learn more about the rare wildlife that makes the Park so special. This is a strenuous walk and will involve steep inclines, declines and rough terrain.

Arthur’s Secrets – Holyrood Park – Select from 45 available dates through to Tuesday 27 August 2019

Join us on a guided walk to learn more about Arthur’s Seat’s turbulent past, created by fire and ice. Find out about the people who lived and worked in the Park from 7 000 years ago up until the present day and learn more about the rare wildlife that makes the Park so special.

Man at Arms – Dirleton Castle – Selected dates through to Wednesday 28 August 2019

Join us at Dirleton Castle for one of our special ‘Man at Arms’ talks, which tell tales of siege warfare and castle life, with a selection of medieval weapons on show. No booking required.

Arthur’s Amble – Holyrood Park – Select from 22 available dates through to Saturday 31 August 2019

Come along on a gentle guided walk around Hunter’s Bog and St. Margaret’s Loch where you’ll learn more about Arthur’s Seat’s turbulent past, created by fire and ice. Find out about the people who lived and worked in the Park from 7,000 years ago up until the present day and learn more about the rare wildlife that makes the Park so special.

Seven Waves – St Clement’s Church – Saturday 1 June 2019 to Sunday 1 September 2019

Seven Waves is a visual art installation by Erlend Brown and Dave Jackson. Suspended from the ceiling, seven beautifully painted canvas waves respond to George Mackay Browns’s poetic cycle Tryst on Egilsay.

British Sign Language Tour – Edinburgh Castle – Select from 2 dates through to Saturday 21 September 2019

Join Edinburgh-born Deaf historian John Hay for a BSL tour of the castle. Explore the Castle with Deaf tour guide John Hay, whose BSL tour will be translated into English by interpreter Linda Duncan. Carers and Historic Scotland Members go free (valid membership card required for each ticket).

St Vigeans Open Days – St Vigeans Stones and Museum – Select from 6 available dates through to Sunday 22 September 2019

It’s hard to believe that sleepy St Vigeans was once the centre of a royal estate and of huge religious importance. Yet the Angus village bustled with pilgrims and monks more than 1,000 years ago. Tickets can be purchased on arrival.

Standing Stones of Stenness Walk – Stones of Stenness Circle and Henge – Selected dates through to Wednesday 25 September 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.

Ring of Brodgar Walk – Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge – Selected dates through to Thursday 26 September 2019

Explore the area around the Ring of Brodgar during a guided walk around Scotland’s largest stone circle which forms part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Meet in the car park by 1pm.

Romantic Scotland – Duff House – Through to Sunday 29 September 2019

Bringing together treasures from the National Gallery of Scotland’s and Historic Environment Scotland’s collections, Romantic Scotland contrasts the romantic depictions of Scotland’s changing landscapes created by artists and writers in the 19th century, with the reality of ordinary life. The exhibition includes works by renowned painters Sir John Lavery, Patrick Nasmyth, and Sir James Guthrie, whose dramatic landscapes continue to shape perceptions of Scotland, and stunning early photography and historic objects that reframe these works in their historical contexts.

Explore your Local and Family History – HES Archives and Library – Select from 2 dates through to Monday 30 September 2019

Discover more about how to use our online services to find out more about Scotland’s past. After a basic overview of Canmore, Scran, NCAP and Britain from Above, you will have the opportunity to experiment yourself with expert staff on hand to help and answer your queries.

British Sign Language Tour (Stirling) – Stirling Castle – Select from 2 available dates through to Saturday 5 October 2019

Join us to explore the Castle with Deaf tour guide John Hay, whose BSL tour will be translated into English by interpreter Linda Duncan. The tour at Stirling Castle is included in the admission price. Carers and Historic Scotland Members go free (valid membership card required for each ticket). You can buy your tickets on the day, or book your place in advance. On the same day at 3pm, we’re running a free BSL tour of the Engine Shed – Scotland’s national conservation centre.

Biggar Gasworks Steam Days – Select from 8 dates through to Sunday 20 October 2019

Enter the last remaining town gasworks in Scotland – the only surviving example of a once familiar sight. For more than 130 years, this industrial plant made coal gas for Biggar and beyond before the advent of natural gas in the 1960s. See the coal fired boiler put to work and the steam driven machinery in action. Learn the secret of how gas was produced from coal from our guides on site.

Guided Building Tours – Engine Shed – 12 dates through to Saturday 7 December

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. In 2017, after an extensive restoration, we opened our doors to the public. During the guided tour, you’ll learn more about our building including how it was made using traditional materials in a contemporary way and how we’ve recycled or restored many other traditional materials during the restoration.

Wee Builders – Engine Shed – Select from 5 dates through to Thursday 12 December 2019

Join us for our exciting under 5’s sessions. Wee Builders will explore a monthly theme through creative play in a fun, child-led and sometimes messy environment! For wee-er builders, a sensory area will be available. Wee Builders take place on the second Thursday of the month (term time only, excluding September). Please note: Parental/guardian supervision is required for the duration of the activity.

Relaxed visiting hours – Engine Shed – Select from 7 available dates through to Saturday 14 December 2019

Our Relaxed Visiting Hours are a time for young people with autism to explore and enjoy our conservation centre. During these times adjustments will be made to lighting and sound, and a quiet space with sensory toys will be available. Relaxed Visiting Hours take place on the second Saturday of the month (excluding September). Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Scotland from the Sky – Multiple Venues – Select from 275 dates through to Sunday 19 January 2020

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. See Scotland from the Sky at: Fort George from 12 April to 7 July; Arbroath Abbey from 11 July to 6 October; Blackness Castle from 10 October 2019 to 19 January 2020