Mons Meg passes her MOT, 550 years after her first battle

Mons Meg passes her MOT, 550 years after her first battle

Aerial condition check of one of the world’s most well-known medieval cannons shows that she is still being well-conserved Historic Environment Scotland (HES), working with conservators from AOC Archaeology and the Royal Armouries, has undertaken a condition check of the extensive conservation works that Mons Meg underwent ten years ago.…

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HES publishes decision not to list Brunton Hall in Musselburgh

Site will not be listed due to advanced stage of development proposals Following an assessment of the building informed by public consultation, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has concluded that the Brunton Hall civic centre complex in Musselburgh is of special interest for listing, but that development proposals are too far…

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Over 400 years since the Gunpowder Plot, James VI and I lives on

The monarch’s portrait at Edinburgh Castle will go back on display on 5 November after conservation Conservators from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) have been carrying out painstaking conservation work of a portrait of James VI of Scotland, the only monarch to be born at Edinburgh Castle. The painting of James…

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Edinburgh Castle ignites excitement for Castle of Light: Fire and Ice with special St Andrew’s Day ticket offer

10-year-old Brooke enjoyed an exclusive tour from Castle of Light’s enchanting Ice Queen this week, catching a first glimpse at the dazzling displays set to transform Edinburgh Castle after dark as the UK’s largest annual projection show prepares to open later this month. Illuminating the capital’s skyline for a sixth…

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Halloween descends upon Edinburgh!

Creepy treats and eerie encounters are making their way to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October, with a range of family-friendly Halloween events. Edinburgh Castle will transform into Edin-boo! Castle as it opens its gates to Halloween Shenanigans on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, inviting visitors to come and…

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Historic characters return to Edinburgh Castle this October

Living History at historic castles brings the past to life for families Families visiting Edinburgh Castle and Craigmillar Castle during the October school holiday can meet characters from Scotland’s past as part of Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) popular Living History programme returns this month. At Edinburgh Castle, there will be daily…

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Castle of Light ignites Scotland’s spirit with return to Edinburgh Castle this winter

Edinburgh Castle will shine brighter than ever this winter as the UK’s largest annual projection show, Castle of Light, returns for a sixth year with an immersive experience inspired by the enchanting forces of fire and ice. Transforming the iconic fortress into a stage of elemental wonder, this year’s spectacular…

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Queer heritage across Scotland explored in brand new book who will be remembered here

Featuring 14 authors including Ali Smith, Damian Barr, Rona Munro and Louise Welsh. who will be remembered here: queer spaces in Scotland is a new book published by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) on Thursday 14 August 2025, now available for pre-order on Stor.scot. In this anthology, 14 writers share the places and…

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Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

‘Historic Places, Breathing Spaces’ campaign launches today to help boost wellbeing through connection to heritage 60% of people say their wellbeing improved because of visiting a HES site Leading Scottish influencers support campaign for wellbeing heritage Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is calling for people across the country to connect with…

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Whisky created by Scottish rugby players now available at Edinburgh Castle

Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe paid a visit to the Castle to see Hirundine Whisky on the shelves Hirundine 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, created by Scottish rugby legends Pierre Schoeman and Duhan van der Merwe, is now available to purchase from Stòr, the online shop of Historic…

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