2 March 2011

Media Releases

Archaeologists have discovered fragmentary remains of Stirling Castle’s once-mighty 16th-century outer defences. Mary of Guise, widow of James V, is believed to have brought in European experts to apply the very latest Italian military engineering techniques at the castle in the 1540s.

28 February 2011

Media Releases

Historic Fraserburgh: Archaeology and Development is the latest book to be published in the Scottish Burgh Surveys. The series is funded by Historic Scotland and published jointly with the Council for British Archaeology. It aims to identify the archaeological potential of Scotland’s historic towns and to map the character of the town. Alex Salmond, First Minister said: “Fraserburgh – the Broch as we call it - has received only a little archaeological investigation but has rich potential. This book will help to inform the future management of its historic environment and to assess the implications for development.

23 February 2011

Media Releases

Excavations have taken place at the National Trust for Scotland’s site at Bannockburn to see if there are any medieval finds from the famous 1314 battle. Archaeologists have investigated areas which are due to be planted with new trees. The planting is part of the advance landscaping works for a £5m joint project between the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Scotland which aims to revamp the visitor centre, creating a state-of-the-art world-class visitor attraction at the site of the battle. The new centre will open in 2014, the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, the next year of Homecoming.

23 February 2011

Media Releases

Edinburgh Castle has been confirmed as Scotland’s number one stand alone visitor attraction. The castle saw 1,210,248 people cross its doors in 2010, the highest number of visitors to a single paid or free visitor attraction in Scotland.

22 February 2011

Media Releases

HISTORIC communities in six council areas have been awarded almost £3m regeneration funding, Culture and External Affairs Minister Fiona Hyslop confirmed today. The successful bids for Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) grants will see repairs and improvements in Ayr, Rothesay, Portsoy, Anstruther, Dingwall and Irvine.