Hundreds of costumed performers are set to storm Fort George this weekend (12 and 13 August) and in their midst will be some famous faces from the Scottish traditional music scene.

On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are bringing a brand new event to the Highland fortress, in celebration of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. Amazing Ages! will explore 2,000 years of Scottish history and culture with an exciting programme of live music and activities for all.

Performers representing different periods in history will tell Scotland’s story through living history camps and a stellar line-up of Scottish folk musicians will be taking to the stage to perform, with a different headline act for each day.

Caledonian Ceildh Trail kick-off Saturday’s line-up, followed by renowned Gaelic singer and band The Margaret Stewart Trio and contemporary champions of Scots song Malinky follow suit. Saturday Afternoon’s line-up concludes with Edinburgh-based six piece Shooglenifty; renowned for fusing traditional melodies with a mixture of contemporary influences.

Multi-award winning Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis is the closing act on Sunday. Deeply influenced by her early upbringing on the Outer Hebridean island of North Uist, she is perhaps best known for singing the theme songfor Disney Pixar’s Oscar winning film Brave.

Speaking ahead of the event, Lorna Ewan, Head of Visitor Experience, Content and Learning at HES, said: “We’re thrilled to be marking the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology with this brand new event.

“We’re particularly excited to welcome such an array of Scottish musical talent to Fort George, with acts that are sure to create a festival atmosphere at this unique site against the beautiful backdrop of the Moray Firth.

“Amazing Ages! is set to bring the strands of Scotland’s history and culture together in a lively celebration that is not to be missed.”

The event will also offer a host of other hands-on historical activities, with the chance to have a go at traditional skills, meet archaeologists and find out about the fascinating finds that help piece together the puzzles of the past. Visitors are also encouraged to look to the skies as a spectacular parachute drop will take place each day at 3.10pm.

There will be an opportunity to view The Orkney Venus. On show here for the weekend only, the Orkney Venus is the earliest known representation of the human form in Scotland. Carved in stone about 4,500 years ago, it was found in 2009 during an excavation on Westray, Orkney. Visitors will have the chance to marvel at this amazing artefact from Scotland’s past.

Amazing Ages! has been funded in part by EventScotland, a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate. Stuart Turner, Head of EventScotland, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the inaugural Amazing Ages! through our National Events Programme.

“In Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, this fantastic event, held within the iconic fortress of Fort George, will undoubtedly play its part in showcasing Scotland’s rich historic past and cultural heritage with an exciting programme of traditional music acts, fascinating living history camps, reenactments and family activities to entertain visitors of all ages.”

The History Bug will be in full effect as Amazing Ages! takes place at Fort George, near Inverness, on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August from 11am-5pm. Tickets are priced £13 for adults, £11 for concessions and £8 for children. Family tickets are also available. Book in advance online and receive a 10% discount.

This event is free for Historic Scotland members.