Historic Scotland welcomes visitors from around the world to more than 300 historic sites in our care. Both irreplaceable and precious, each property is a wonderful reflection of Scotland’s intriguing history, one that takes you over 5000 years.

Visitor facilities at Historic Scotland staffed properties are inspected by VisitScotland, the Scottish Tourist Board.

 VisitScotland has operated a Quality Assurance inspection scheme for Visitor Attractions since April 1995. The Scheme gives operators an independent quality assurance award and incorporates the inspection of properties for 'Thistle' tourist signposting.

Participation consists of a visit by a VisitScotland Quality Advisor to verify that the attraction satisfies VisitScotlands requirements in a qualitative assessment of the condition and standard of facilities and services provided and that the Code of Conduct is being fulfilled.

Historic Scotland engages and supports Green Tourism in Scotland.


Continuing customer care training is provided for staff who welcome visitors to properties in care. Historic Scotland invites comment from visitors on the facilities available at properties and the agency’s programme of improvements is strongly influenced by independent customer surveys.

In response to past visitor comment, information is being provided in many languages and a guide to access for people with a disability has been published.

Ensuring an enjoyable visit
Historic Scotland aims to make visits to properties in care both an enjoyable and an educational experience. Visitor services are continually being improved, such as extending our range of souvenir guides. Shops at many properties sell quality goods, mostly made in Scotland.

New restaurants and tea rooms are being opened and improved facilities continue to be made available to people with a disability. Income from retail outlets contributes towards the agency’s core activities

Bringing history to life
We organise a varied programme of music and dance, period plays, story-telling and re-enactments which create a living history at many properties. The programme is broadening the range of visitors with increasing numbers of family groups and local people attracted to special events.



Historic Scotland is the nation's largest operator of paid visitor attractions and continues to make new properties available to the public. The admissions we charge help towards the cost of maintaining and repairing Scotland's built heritage.



Historic Scotland's conservation role is supported by the income raised through ticket admissions and purchases at our shops. The support of Friends of Historic Scotland is crucial to help us preserve and present our nation's heritage as their membership helps fund the work we do. If you'd like to support us, please go to Membership.