Summer programme celebrations at Huntly, Banff and Elgin

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has revealed its programme for spring and summer 2024 including events in Elgin, Huntly and Banff at Duff House.

Easter Eggsplorer Trails start the programme and are taking place across a range of Historic Scotland sites over the Easter Holiday weekend (March 29 – April 1) where younger kids and their families can enjoy fun challenges and have the chance to earn a chocolatey reward as well.

A series of Living History events will also take place across many Historic Scotland sites, where costumed historical performers will be on hand to tell visitors about the history of the site and the characters they portray including at Huntly Castle where The Gordons for the King 1647 takes place on Saturday July 13 and Sunday 14 where you can hear the story of the Gordons fighting for the Stewart kings in the 17th century wars in Scotland with displays and demonstrations of weapons of the period.

Elgin Cathedral celebrates its 800th birthday on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday 21 where you can hear how this magnificent church grew over the centuries and learn more about the people closely linked with the Cathedral.

And starting next month at Duff House, Arpita Shah: Nalini which runs from Friday, April 12 to Sunday July 14 spans India, East Africa and the UK as Nalini explores the connected histories of Arpita Shah’s mother, her grandmother and herself. The exhibition reveals ancestral intimacies across space and time, and how their histories, memories and bodies are intertwined.

Elsewhere the ever-popular Unicorn event is also returning to Stirling Castle (April 6-7) and invites visitors to meet our real-life unicorns and learn more about Scotland's national mythical beast.

Annual favourite Spectacular Jousting will also be returning to the grounds of both Linlithgow Palace (June 29-30) and Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries and Galloway (July 27-28).

Stephen Duncan, Director of Marketing and Engagement at HES, said: “Our jam-packed events programme truly offers something for everyone, with historically themed live performances, interactive experiences and family activities that gives visitors the chance to engage with Scotland’s rich heritage in an exciting way.

“It’s a joy to be able to take new and returning visitors on journeys through history under the backdrop of iconic sites like Stirling Castle and Caerlaverock Castle. We’re encouraging everyone to come and enjoy all that our events have to offer, as well as exploring our historic sites.”

Tickets for events can be bought in advance online at historicenvironment.scot/events.

Daytime events are free for Historic Scotland members.

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