22 March 2010

Media Releases

Historic Scotland has invited every local authority in Scotland to join a planning scheme to improve and speed up the process of dealing with certain types of applications affecting category B listed buildings. This is part of a range of reforms aimed at strengthening the partnership between Historic Scotland and local authorities across Scotland. It follows a successful three month pilot scheme where Perth and Kinross, Glasgow City and the City of Edinburgh councils were able to issue listed building consent for B listed buildings without the need to consult Historic Scotland. The pilot found that consents were issued more quickly and in line with policy. On average, pilot applications were determined 27 days more quickly than non-pilot category B cases. Just over half of the pilot cases were resolved within eight weeks.

15 March 2010

Media Releases

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop welcomed the three millionth visitor to go through the doors of one of Historic Scotland’s ticketed attractions in the 2009 – 2010 season. Historic Scotland manages 345 properties on behalf of Scottish Ministers across the country. During the Summer season, Historic Scotland’s Top 10 sites enjoyed a 9% increase on this time last year, with visitor numbers growing by 7% overall. Edinburgh Castle was up by 8% during this period, Urquhart Castle’s number of visitors increased by 9% whereas Stirling Castle’s numbers were up by 6%, during a major refurbishment for the Palace project. The Minister presented Joyce Churchill, 76, from Nova Scotia, a first time visitor to Scotland, with a quaich, Scotland’s cup of friendship, at Edinburgh Castle, its flagship property, to mark the occasion.

15 March 2010

Media Releases

Historic Scotland has teamed up with the Played in Britain book series and Glasgow City Council to produce an exciting new publication – Played in Glasgow. Written by Ged O’Brien, the book outlines the city’s sporting heritage, from the birth of association football and the impressive stadiums built there, once the largest in the world, to the sporting clubs and racetracks. The publication also examines the cultural impact of sport in the city and is backed up with historic photographs and maps, charting the main sporting sites.

10 March 2010

Media Releases

Looking for some Spring cheer after the long winter? Then make sure you head for Stirling Castle this Easter for a great day out. The stunning stronghold is gearing up for a superb weekend of family fun and entertainment. ‘Easter Revelry’ - on Saturday 3rd April, Sunday 4th and Monday 5th – promises a packed programme of light-hearted amusement for all ages. A colourful cast of costumed characters will be performing comedy, magic, puppetry and interactive shows. And with everything included in the normal admission price to the castle, great value, as well as great fun, is guaranteed.

8 March 2010

Media Releases

5,000 year old Orkney Venus to go on tour. Scotland’s earliest human face, the Orkney Venus is to go on temporary display at venues across Scotland. The 5,000 year old figurine- also known as the Westray Wife, was discovered last summer by archaeologists working on the Historic Scotland excavation at the Links of Noltland, on the Orkney island of Westray. The figurine is the only known Neolithic carving of a human form to have been found in Scotland.