Green Tourism

Sustainability is at the heart of all that Historic Scotland does.  Within Properties in Care we conserve and maintain monuments a across Scotland to ensure they will be enjoyed by future generations.

Please help us in our aims by looking at out Visitor Charter for guidance on responsible visiting.

Historic Scotland Visitor Charter [pdf 50KB]

Green Tourism Business Scheme

Green Tourism Business Scheme
As part of our commitment to sustainability and green issues most of our staffed sites are assessed under the Green Tourism Business Scheme, the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK.  This scheme assesses members against a rigorous set of criteria awarding Gold, Silver and Bronze awards as appropriate.  At the end of 2011, 68 of our properties were assessed under this scheme and we were awarded 35 gold and 33 silver awards.

The assessment focuses on a range of areas including waste management, energy usage, procurement and biodiversity.  We undertake sustainable practice where possible across all activities in our estate.  We also encourage visitors to our monuments to use public transport where possible.  Details of routes to our properties can be found on TravelineScotland and for cyclists on Sustrans.  At each of our staffed sites we have green visitor files which are full of useful information to help visitors make the most of the local environment.  Information will range from details of local cycling routes, cycle hire, farmers markets, wildlife factsheets to details of other local Green Tourism Business Scheme members.  If visitors are interested in providing feedback on our environmental efforts we have feedback forms within the green visitor file too.

Policies and Statements

All our properties within the scheme are individually assessed, however there are a number of policies and statements which are true for all our sites.  These are:

• Historic Scotland Environmental Policy
  and our
• Sustainable Purchasing Policy

Our Catering Policy ensures our caterers work in a manner which minimises the impact on the environment, including, but not limited to:

• The efficient use of energy;
• The use of biodegradable cleaning materials;
• The recycling of waste, including cans, bottles and plastic cups; and
• The purchase of recycled items, when available.

Scottish Government: Integrating Sustainable Development into Procurement of Food and Catering Services [pdf, 295kb]

Offer

Green Tourism Goldstar Awards Offer

To celebrate Green Tourism Week and the hosting of the Goldstar Awards ceremony in Scotland’s capital city, Historic Scotland  is offering 20% off entry to Edinburgh Castle for all attendees to the event.

Simply take your registration summary along to receive your 20% discount for the invitation holder plus one adult and up to 3 children.

Terms and Conditions:

• A Valid Green Tourism Goldstar Awards 2012 registration summary is required to redeem the 20% off offer
• Registration summary entitles 20% off admission only for the invitation holder plus one adult and up to 3 children (aged under 16)
• Children must be accompanied by a paying adult when visiting the attraction
• Opening times are subject to change – check online for details (www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk)
• Only one GTBS Awards 2012 registration summary will be accepted and this cannot be printed or used more than once
• Not redeemable for cash
• Only applicable on walk-up tickets. Not redeemable online
• Subject to availability
• Voucher valid from 21st - 27th May inclusive 2012

Staff have the right to refuse admission if appropriate identification is not provided.