March events at Historic Scotland sites

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

Sand Cards – The Engine Shed – Selected dates from Saturday 2 February 2019 to Saturday 9 March 2019

Find out why Scotland is a very colourful place while you learn about the different types of sands found throughout Scotland. You can find sands and other ‘aggregates’ in lots of different places in a building. They are used in mortars to hold together the stones in the walls, and in outside wall coverings such as render. Sand comes in many different colours, depending on the region and type of stone it comes from. Use different coloured sands to create a card inspired by the natural materials of Scotland. Additional information: Suitable for ages 6+. Parental/guardian supervision is required for the duration of the activity.

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.

Rebels and Redcoats – Edinburgh Castle – Selected dates from Friday 1 March to Sunday 24 March 2019

The Jacobite war of 1745 was one of the most turbulent in Scottish history. Come along and learn what role the castle played in this great conflict and meet characters from the period. This presentation includes a weapons and costume demonstration. Included in admission price.

Bolts and Bodkins – Edinburgh Castle – Selected dates from Saturday 2 March to Friday 29 March 2019

Join castle archer, Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow. Learn about different types of arrowheads and how arrow wounds were treated.  Get dressed for battle and join the garrison! Included in admission price.

Mini Bricks – The Engine Shed – Selected dates from Saturday 2 March 2019 to Saturday 30 March 2019

 Bricks are one of Scotland’s most common traditional materials. You can see them throughout Scotland on lots of different building types, including houses and official buildings. You can even find them in the Engine Shed itself. Come along to our activity and learn about different brick bonds used to construct traditional buildings, using our mini bricks and mortar. Pick up your miniature trowels and build a wall. How stable can you make yours? Additional information: Suitable for ages 6+. Parental/guardian supervision is required for the duration of the activity. Please note: No need to book ahead – just drop in!

Conservation of Timberwork – Forth Valley College – Selected dates from Monday 4 March 2019 to Monday 25 March 2019

 This short course will provide an introduction to the essential biology of timber used in Scotland over the centuries. It will trace timber’s sources, from early samples of Scots origin to imports from the Baltic states and North America.

Conservation of Non-ferrous Metals – Forth Valley College – Selected dates from Wednesday 6 March 2019 to Wednesday 20 March 2019

Discover the issues associated with non-ferrous metals in Scotland’s historic built environment.

A look at the life of John Muir – Stirling Castle – Saturday 9 March 2019

Join photographer Ken Paterson as he explores the life of John Muir, the Scottish-American environmentalist who is considered the father of the American National Parks. Tea and cake will be served after the talk. You can see Ken’s work in The Footsteps of John Muir exhibition at Stirling Castle from 2 Feb until 28 Apr 2019. Please note there is no step free access to the event space. Entry is included in normal admission (Historic Scotland Members go free), but booking in advance is essential.

Sand Cards – The Engine Shed – Saturday 9 March 2019

Find out why Scotland is a very colourful place while you learn about the different types of sands found throughout Scotland. You can find sands and other ‘aggregates’ in lots of different places in a building. They are used in mortars to hold together the stones in the walls, and in outside wall coverings such as render. Sand comes in many different colours, depending on the region and type of stone it comes from. Use different coloured sands to create a card inspired by the natural materials of Scotland. Additional information: Suitable for ages 6+. Parental/guardian supervision is required for the duration of the activity. Please note: No need to book ahead – just drop in and have a go!

The Other Mary – Edinburgh Castle – Tuesday 12 March 2019 to Wednesday 13 March 2019

 Mary of Guise became the wife of James V in 1538; by the end of 1542 she was a widow determined to protect the throne for her baby daughter Mary, Queen of Scots. It’s now 1554 and she has just been crowned Queen Regent of Scotland. Hear her story. Included in admission price.

Women of Independence – Edinburgh Castle – Selected dates from Thursday 14 March 2019 to Wednesday 27 March 2019

Women were among some of Bruce’s strongest and bravest supporters. Some suffered for their loyalty and others rose to the challenge. Hear about the role they played and how the castle fared during this bloody and brutal time. Included in admission price.

Sounds from Stirling Castle – Stirling Castle – Saturday 16 March 2019

 “Summon the Heroes – An evening of soul stirring music” Hosted by Alasdair Hutton, well-known as the Voice of the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo, Sounds from Stirling Castle returns in 2019 to raise funds for two proud Scottish military charities – Erskine and The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Trust.

Kilts and Captivity –  Edinburgh Castle – Saturday 16 March 2019 to Sunday 17 March 2019

Find out why the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745 failed as you meet a Highlander held prisoner the castle. Hear tales of Bobbing John, Bonnie Prince Charlie and the battle tactics of a Highland army and learn the secrets of Scotland’s national dress. This performance is included in the Edinburgh Castle admission price.

Scotland’s Early Silver – Duff House – Dates through to Sunday 17 March 2019

Discover the story of Scotland’s early silver, and how this precious metal helped to shape the first kingdoms of Scotland, in Scotland’s Early Silver at Duff House. Featuring spectacular objects dating from AD75 to AD1000, and supported by The Glenmorangie Research Project on Early Medieval Scotland, Scotland’s Early Silver explores the part that silver played in the transformation of society in Scotland throughout the first millennium AD. Scotland’s Early Silver is a National Museums Scotland touring exhibition.  #EarlySilver

Arthur’s Amble – Holyrood Park– Selected dates through to Sunday 17 March 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. Booking is essential.

In Memoriam – A Forgotten Story – Edinburgh Castle – Wednesday 20 March to Saturday 23 March 2019

The Scottish National War Memorial was opened in 1927. The architect, Robert Lorimer, employed the top artistic talent of the day for its interior decoration and amongst this number, Alice Meredith Williams made a most significant contribution. Her role in this magnificent building is largely forgotten, but today the record will be set straight. Included in admission price.

Music through the Ages – Edinburgh Castle – Selected dates through to Friday 22 March 2019

Meet King James V’s musician. He has been asked by the King to explain some of the music and instruments that the King expects in his court. He will also tell tales of these instruments, some of which may even be true! This performance is included in the Edinburgh Castle admission price.

Soap Carving: Masons’ Marks – The Engine Shed – Saturday 23 March 2019

Did you know that stonemasons carve symbols or ‘marks’ into the very stone they work with? Follow in the tradition of Scotland’s stonemasons and try your hand at carving your very own mason’s mark – into soap! See our latest exhibition “The Scots Who Built The White House” to learn all about mason’s marks. Look at a special mason’s log book which master stonemasons used to sign using their very own marks, and take inspiration to design and carve your own into soap. Additional information: Activity suitable for ages 5+. Parental/guardian supervision is required for the duration of the activity. Please note: No need to book in advance, just drop in and have a go!

Soap Carving: Masons’ Marks – The Engine Shed – Selected dates through to Saturday 23 March 2019

Did you know that stonemasons carve symbols or ‘marks’ into the very stone they work with? Follow in the tradition of Scotland’s stonemasons and try your hand at carving your very own mason’s mark – into soap! See our latest exhibition “The Scots Who Built The White House” to learn all about mason’s marks. Look at a special mason’s log book which master stonemasons used to sign using their very own marks, and take inspiration to design and carve your own into soap. Additional information: Workshops suitable for ages 5+. Parental/guardian supervision is required for the duration of the activity. Please note: No need to book in advance, just drop in and have a go!

Brick City – Blackness Castle – Dates through to Sunday 24 March 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. Included in normal admission price. Please note: this exhibition is accessed via a stone staircase.

Women of Independence – Edinburgh Castle – Selected dates through to Wednesday 27 March 2019

War is traditionally a male domain but during the Wars of Independence, women were among some of Bruce’s strongest and bravest supporters. Some suffered for their loyalty and others rose to the challenge. Hear about the role they played and how the castle fared during this bloody and brutal time. Included in admission price.

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.

Ring of Brodgar Walk – Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge – Selected dates through to Thursday 28 March 2019

Explore the area around the Ring of Brodgar during a weekly guided walk with a ranger and discover the special significance of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

Geometric Jewellery Workshop –  Duff House – Saturday 30 March 2019 to Sunday 31 March 2019

Work with artist Naomi McIntosh to create a piece of jewellery inspired by the architecture of Duff House. Using processes that Naomi uses in her studio (tessellation) to celebrate sustainably sourced Scottish woods, you will design your own personal neckpiece. Make your own choice of forms and patterns by selecting the wooden elements that nest together, use paints to mix your own colour palate and decide on a number of different finishes. Leave this workshop wearing your new unique jewellery, all materials are provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended ages 7+. Included in normal admission price, but booking your place in advance is essential.

Schiltron! – Edinburgh Castle – Selected dates through to Sunday 31 March 2019

Edinburgh Castle is steeped in war. From the Wars of Independence through to the Civil Wars of the seventeenth century, Scots relied on pikes in battle. Come along, find out what a Schiltron was, how pikes were used and have a go yourself. One for the whole family to get involved in and enjoy! Included in admission price.

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.

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.

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.