23 June 2009

Media Releases

Bookings are now being taken for the three remaining dates in this summer’s series of guided tours of Rowallan Old Castle, one of Ayrshire’s historic hidden gems. For more than 400 years, this fine Renaissance property set in beautiful countryside was home to one of the area’s most important and influential families - the Muirs. They were renowned for their cultural interests and as writers, historians and composers, and indeed, Scotland’s earliest surviving lute music was written at Rowallan Old Castle.

23 June 2009

Media Releases

Edinburgh’s skyline is shaped by Holyrood Park’s distinctive crags and most famous landmark, Arthur’s Seat. And throughout July and August, the Park’s Ranger Service is hosting a series of special guided walks to share their expert knowledge of this stunning city centre landscape. Taking place every Wednesday from 1pm – 3pm, the walks will highlight the history of this fascinating landscape, its geological and archaeological features, and the wildlife that thrives in this natural habitat in the heart of the capital.

23 June 2009

Media Releases

The 12th-century stronghold of Aberdour Castle will provide a dramatic backdrop on Sunday 5 July for a captivating re-telling of the story of the political intrigue and mystery surrounding the murder of David Rizzio, private secretary to Mary Queen of Scots. Step back in time to 1566 to meet one of the most important members of the Red Douglases – James Douglas, the 4th Earl of Morton – and hear his account of the riveting tale and his role in it.

19 June 2009

Media Releases

Responding to the MOD announcement that it was consulting on the future of manned operations on the island of Hirta in the Western Isles Michael Russell, Minister for Culture, External Affairs and Constitution, said: “St Kilda is the only of Scotland’s five World Heritage Sites to be recognised for both its natural and cultural importance and any possible detrimental impact is, of course, a concern.

19 June 2009

Media Releases

Scottish Government Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell, is to visit Fort George to meet staff and find out more about tourism in the area. The fort is one of the many important parts of the nation’s built heritage in the care of Historic Scotland. It is one of Historic Scotland’s top ten visitor attractions and welcomes around 61,000 visitors a year. Fort George is a key part of the area’s tourism industry. Historic Scotland works closely with partners such as Destination Loch Ness and the National Trust for Scotland to promote tourism throughout the region.