27 November 2009

Media Releases

47 Historic Scotland sites throughout the country on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November will be free. The free entry is a key part of both the St Andrew’s Weekend celebrations and the finale of Homecoming Scotland 2009. Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to visit one of Historic Scotland’s superb heritage attractions. Opening these properties for free over the 28th and 29th of November is a wonderful way for us, as Scots, to mark our country’s national day and celebrate the end of a highly successful year of Homecoming. “We, as a nation, are terribly proud and passionate about our history, culture and what made us who we are today. We can celebrate these amazing places and the stories of our country, this weekend. With Historic Scotland offering membership for great value family days out all year, this is a chance to try it out in advance."

27 November 2009

Media Releases

TV personality and historian Neil Oliver will be at Stirling Castle on Wednesday evening to chat about his book A History of Scotland. The book follows his hit BBC series of the same name, and is just one of the great gift ideas at the castle’s Christmas Shopping Fayre. Visitors to the special evening event, which takes place on 2nd December, from 6pm to 9pm in the castle’s majestic Great Hall, can also get some expert cookery tips.

24 November 2009

Media Releases

Some of Scotland’s leading architecture experts will today (Tuesday, Nov. 24) ask if people value buildings created since the war. Michael Russell, Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, will lead the debate at Scotland, Building for the Future conference in Dundee’s Bonar Hall. The Minister said: “People have hugely varying opinions about architecture created in the last 60 years, and how we value and protect the best of it. you only need to look at the outcry when a new building is proposed in a historic location to see how strong the interest in this subject is."

23 November 2009

Media Releases

Historic Scotland today issued a new CD Rom during National Maintenance Week which brings together expert advice to show owners the best way to maintain and care for their traditionally built properties. Ruth Parsons, Chief Executive for Historic Scotland, today, (Monday, 23 November), launched the CD at the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre in Edinburgh. She said: ‘It is essential that we preserve the beauty and character of our traditionally built homes for future generations to enjoy. We are very lucky that we have such a wealth of beautiful architecture in Scotland and we need to take advantage of all the information we have to ensure that we can maintain and preserve it.’

20 November 2009

Media Releases

Minister Michael Russell today (Friday Nov. 20) paid tribute to the work of the Whithorn Trust in promoting one of the country’s most significant historic sites. Whithorn is widely considered to be the Cradle of Christianity in Scotland, traditionally founded by St Ninian in the 5th century. It is unique in its long and continuous history as a place of worship and pilgrimage.