20 October 2009

Media Releases

There’s a special chance for visitors to discover more about Leith’s ancient links with the sea when Trinity House maritime museum opens its doors for free on Saturday, 24th October. This lovely Georgian Mansion is packed with around 1,000 fascinating objects and works of art from portraits by the great Sir Henry Raeburn to secret wartime charts used by British merchant seamen. Historic Scotland, which cares for the museum, is carrying out a major conservation programme which involves cleaning, repairing and researching many of the objects in the collection.

20 October 2009

Media Releases

Scotland’s legacy of post-war architecture is to be the focus of a conference in November hosted by Historic Scotland. The agency is opening the debate on protecting and celebrating the variety and innovative techniques used to create striking architecture since 1945. Dr Deborah Mays, Historic Scotland Head of Listing and organiser of the conference said: “After the war, a notably different approach was seen in designing and constructing buildings, encompassing a new hope and vision for the future. “While many people still view listed buildings as having to be traditionally crafted, the number of outstanding examples of architecture and design that remain need to be considered as an important part of our heritage and just as revealing of our past as older buildings. This conference will bring together people from across the spectrum to look at how we value modern architecture as part of the Scottish landscape and we are very much looking forward to hearing the range of views on what has been a hotly contested subject.”

16 October 2009

Media Releases

The Orkney Venus, the earliest human figure ever found in Scotland, is going on temporary display at Edinburgh Castle. Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell announced that the carving will be on show for a fortnight. Children will be given free entry to the castle for the duration of the exhibition from 19 October to 1 November. Kids are being encouraged to say the magic word when they arrive – ‘Orkney!’ to generate interest in the island. MSP Michael Russell said: “It’s great that people will have the chance to see this remarkable historical find for themselves, and I’m particularly delighted to be able to announce that children will be able to get into Edinburgh Castle for free while the exhibition is on.”

14 October 2009

Media Releases

The historic setting of Stirling Castle’s splendid Great Hall will provide a dramatic stage for the premiere, on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th October, of a unique performance of Tam O Shanter. The new production is the result of the collaboration of three of Scotland’s National Youth performing arts companies – YDance, Scottish Youth Theatre and the Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. To celebrate Scotland’s Year of Homecoming, the three have, for the first time, come together in a creative project inspired by Robert Burns’ epic poem, Tam O Shanter. Written over two centuries ago, Tam O Shanter remains a powerful tale, with themes which still have relevance through its explorations of the influences of good and evil, and alcohol and sexual attraction.

14 October 2009

Media Releases

There’s a treat in store at Stirling Castle next week for fans of the hit BBC TV series A History of Scotland. The presenter, popular Scottish historian and archaeologist Neil Oliver, will be hosting a unique event to introduce his new book - also entitled A History of Scotland - and talk about the making of the successful series which caught the imagination of millions of viewers by recounting the dramatic stories of our nation’s rich past. Historic Scotland, who worked with the BBC on the series in order to feature many of their properties in care, are providing an appropriate venue for the event. Stirling Castle’s stunning Great Hall is the venue at 7pm on Tuesday, 20th October for the joint Historic Scotland and Waterstone’s event at which Neil will talk about his new publication and the making of the authoritative TV series. The beautifully illustrated book uses the latest historical research and places Scotland’s story in the wider context of British, European and global history. Signed copies will be available for purchase during the evening.