Over 2,000 years of history will be celebrated at Historic Scotland sites this summer.

© Historic Environment Scotland

Various Historic Scotland sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Melrose Abbey and Urquhart Castle, will be hosting Easter Eggsplorer Trails over the Easter weekend (Friday 18 to Monday 21 April) where children and their families can follow bird-themed clues to pick up a chocolate reward. 

Melrose Abbey © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

The annual spectacular jousting events will return to Linlithgow Palace (Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June) and Caerlaverock Castle (Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July) where visitors can experience exhilarating horsemanship and impressive skills as brave knights battle it out, visit the living history camp and watch birds of prey in flight.  

Linlithgow Castle © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Also returning this year is the Celebration of the Centuries at Fort George (Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August) which is Historic Scotland’s largest re-enactment event celebrating over 2,000 years of Scottish history with living history camps showcasing what life was like for Picts and Romans, as well as a Robert the Bruce jousting show which is new for 2025.
 
This year there are also two brand new events. For the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May), visitors to Stirling Castle are invited to step back in time and meet a variety of costumed performers from the 1940s, enjoy music from a swing band and find out how to make party food from rations.

Stirling Castle © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

At Blackness Castle (Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August), visitors can find out more about the stronghold’s starring role in film and TV shows from Mary Queen of Scots (2018) to Outlaw King (2018) and Outlander, try on costumes and take part in stunt works as part of the new On Location event. 

Historic Environment Scotland, which is organising the events, is a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection, and cares for more than 300 properties of national importance.

© Historic Environment Scotland

Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at HES, said: “I am delighted to announce our action-packed summer events programme which offers something for all the family. 

“The historical performances and interactive experiences offer a perfect opportunity for visitors to engage with 2,000 years of history under the backdrop of iconic sites from Caerlaverock Castle to Blackness Castle.” 

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, added: “If you’re visiting Scotland this summer, there is going to be so much for all the family to see and do at the country’s castles and historic buildings. Wherever you are in Scotland or whatever your interests, there is sure to be something exciting taking place which helps to bring history to life.”

See a full list of events taking place at Historic Scotland properties this summer.

If you or your group would like to enjoy some of the events on a tailor-made heritage tour of Scotland, please do contact our friendly team today.