Cairnpapple Hill in West Lothian is one of more than 30 historic sites preparing to open its doors once more for the summer tourist season. On 1 April, castles, cairns and brochs across Scotland will welcome visitors as the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology gets into full swing.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the public body that cares for more than 300 historic places in Scotland including over 70 Historic Scotland1 tourist attractions, is encouraging tourists and locals alike to get up close and personal with history in 2017. People in Edinburgh and the Lothians can visit sites including prehistoric Cairnpapple Hill, the lordly residence of Crichton Castle, and Torphichen Preceptory. More than 100 new and seasonal staff are in post across the country, ready to welcome visitors and support a vibrant programme of events and initiatives showing that heritage is for all – including Scotland’s first Heritage Awareness Day.

Susan Loch, Head of Visitor Operations and Community Engagement at HES, said, “It’s always exciting when our seasonal sites reopen after the winter. With the weather starting to get warmer and the days longer, it’s the perfect time to come out and explore, from preshitoric cairns like Cairnpapple to the peaceful Torphichen Preceptory.

“From castles to churches, and from prehistoric forts to atmospheric ruins, our historic sites are full of stories. We welcome tourists from all over the world, but we’re hoping local visitors won’t be shy about coming along for an adventure through time in Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.”

The organisation has started the season with a special membership offer giving families 18 months Historic Scotland membership for the price of 12. This gives you entry to over 70 paid-for historic attractions across the country as well as to daytime events.

Historic attractions in the Lothians re-opening on 1 April 2017 include:

• Cairnpapple Hill – a burial site dating to 3,000BC
• Crichton Castle – the Lordly residence of the Crichton’s and later home to the Earls of Bothwell
• Seton Collegiate Church – an ecclesiastical kirk in wooded surroundings
• Torphichen Preceptory – Tower and transepts of a church built by the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St John of Jerusalem

For further information on opening hours, access and locations, visit: www.historicenvironment.scot/