It’s been a spectacular summer for historic sites across Edinburgh and Midlothian as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announced record-breaking visitor figures for the 2017 summer season today (Friday 6th October).
The summer season saw Edinburgh Castle – a world famous icon and the top paid-for Historic Scotland heritage attraction in the care of HES – record its busiest ever season with 1,433,896 people visiting the site between April and September 2017, a 19% increase on the same period last year.
The seasonal figures also show Craigmillar Castle celebrate the “Outlander effect”, as it recorded a striking 42% increase in footfall. Edinburgh’s ‘other castle’ stars in the hit television series as the fictional Ardsmuir Prison.
Crichton Castle in Midlothian has also recorded its busiest ever season, welcoming 4,076 visitors over the course of the summer.
The summer season has seen many visitor records broken across the country as a whole. Historic sites in the care of HES welcomed over 3.8m visitors in the period from April to September 2017, an impressive overall 20% increase in footfall on the same period last year – making it the busiest season on record.
August 2017 saw over 870,000 visitors flocking to Scotland’s iconic historic sites, making it the busiest individual month ever recorded.
HES manage over 70 ticketed Historic Scotland visitor attractions throughout the country, including Edinburgh Castle, Urquhart Castle and Fort George.
The announcement comes as Scotland celebrates Heritage Awareness Day, the first-ever day dedicated to showcasing the country’s rich and diverse heritage and encouraging individuals, organisations and communities all over Scotland to share and celebrate heritage in all its different forms.
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES, said: “This year’s summer season has surpassed our previous visitor records, as we welcomed over 3.8m visitors to our historic sites across the country – an excellent 20% increase on last season’s showing.
“It is fitting that we celebrate this success on Heritage Awareness Day, the first-ever national celebration of heritage and the contribution it makes to communities across the country.
“We’ve responded to the increasing interest in Scotland’s historic environment by extending opening at seasonal sites across the country throughout October, giving people further opportunity to explore the wealth of history that Scotland has to offer and to uncover the hidden historical gems on their doorstep during the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
“From Edinburgh Castle to Skara Brae, historic sites across Scotland are continuing to draw record numbers of visitors, which is further demonstration of the value of Scotland’s historic places within the country’s wider tourism offering.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, said: “Congratulations to Historic Environment Scotland on another great seasonal performance. As today’s numbers confirm, Scotland’s historic environment is acting more and more as a magnet for tourists, attracting millions of people from far and wide each year to our world class attractions.
“I am particularly pleased to be announcing this success as we celebrate the first-ever Heritage Awareness Day and as we approach the end of this Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
“The Year has contributed to further enhancing the international profile of Scotland’s intriguing history, impressive cultural heritage and fascinating archaeology.”
Full details of the sites extending opening hours throughout October can be found at https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/extended-summer/.
For more information on Heritage Awareness Day, visit www.historicenvironment.scot/heritageday. Join in the conversation on Twitter by following @HistEnvScot and using #heritageday17 to share your stories.
The search to find Scotland’s ‘heritage angels’ is gearing up, with the final shortlist for the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2017 revealed today (Wed 27 Sep).
Among the 12 finalists are the Apprentice Guides from the National Mining Museum Scotland (NMMS), who have been shortlisted for the Best Contribution to a Heritage Project by a Young Person award.
NMMS, based at the Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange, Midlothian, worked in partnership with Gore Glen Primary School’s Primary 6 & 7 class to create a brand new tour of the five star visitor attraction. Seven pupils worked with museum staff to create the tour, which was performed for other schools from across Midlothian.
Victoria Robb, Education Manager at NMMS, said: “For NMMS, Gore Glen Primary School and the Apprentice Guides, being shortlisted for a Scottish Heritage Angel Award is a huge honour and consolidates all the hard work the children have put in to the project – from memorising historical facts, learning everything about the safety lamp, to performing in front of hundreds of adults and children. Being shortlisted is a great accomplishment for these children and something they will remember forever.”
Launched in 2014 with funding from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation (ALWF), and run by the Scottish Civic Trust in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Archaeology Scotland and the Scottish Government, the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards celebrates both groups and individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to promote, protect and, in many cases, rescue Scotland’s heritage.
The Apprentice Guides will now join the other finalists at the Scottish Heritage Angels Awards ceremony on Monday 16th October at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, where the overall winner in each of the four categories will be announced.
John Pelan, Director of the Scottish Civic Trust, said:” We received many wonderful nominations for individuals and groups right across the country. The scale of their achievements in recording and celebrating local heritage and rescuing historic buildings and sites is truly inspiring.
“Many of the people behind these projects are volunteers and give up their time and energy freely, overcoming many challenges, while discovering and sharing new skills. It is particularly rewarding to learn about the achievements of young people and apprentices, who are sure to be the guardians of our historic environment in the future.
“Our judges now have the task of finding our overall winners. I’m looking forward to celebrating the success and hard work of all our finalists on 16th October.”
The panel of judges will include: author and broadcaster Vanessa Collingridge; architect and Vice-Chair of Scottish Civic Trust Ed Taylor; CEO of Volunteer Scotland George Thomas; and Taylor Dickinson, member of Scotland’s Urban Past Youth Forum.
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland, said: “All over Scotland, groups, individuals, volunteers and professionals involved in heritage projects are at the heart of local communities, working tirelessly to protect, preserve and promote our historic environment.
“It’s important we recognise their vital contributions, and The Scottish Heritage Angel Awards are an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their accomplishments and celebrate the difference they make.
“The final shortlist demonstrates the diversity and value of heritage projects throughout the country, and I’d like to congratulate all the finalists on their achievements.”
The Scottish Heritage Angel Awards run parallel to Heritage Angel Awards in England and Northern Ireland. This year, an overall winner from the three award schemes will be selected and crowned at the London ceremony on Monday 20th November.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose charitable foundation helped found the Heritage Angel Awards, said: “I’m delighted to champion the people who protect the precious buildings and places around us. Everyone who has been shortlisted for a Scottish Heritage Angel Award has made a significant difference to our landscape and built environment. Congratulations to all of them! This year I am especially pleased that we are crowning an overall UK winner for the first time, showcasing the crucial work that is being done across the country by local heritage heroes.”
Full details of the shortlist for the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2017 can be viewed at www.scottishheritageangelawards.org.uk.
Keep up to date with the latest from the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards on Twitter at @ScotAngelAwards.
Some of the best-loved historic attractions in Edinburgh and the Lothians will be keeping their doors open for longer this year as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announced extended seasonal opening at sites across the region.
As part of the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, summer-only sites – including three in the region – will be welcoming visitors 7 days a week until 31st October 2017.
Visitors will have further opportunity to explore Cairnpapple Hill, a magnificent henge monument situated in the Bathgate Hills; Crichton Castle, one of the oldest tower-houses in Scotland dating from the 14th century; and Seton Collegiate Church, one of the finest medieval collegiate churches in Scotland.
Craigmillar Castle, known as Edinburgh’s ‘other castle’, and Blackness Castle, a mighty fortress on the Firth of Forth, will also remain open for 7 days throughout October.
The extended season will also form part of the celebration of Scotland’s first-ever Heritage Awareness Day, which takes place on Friday 6th October. Shining a spotlight on heritage throughout the country, Heritage Awareness Day is an opportunity for people across Scotland to share and celebrate heritage in all its different forms.
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES, said: “After a fantastic season so far, I’m pleased to announce that we are able to extend opening at over 50 of our seasonal sites.
“Extending the season until 31st October will allow visitors to enjoy our sites for longer as we celebrate the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
“It is also a special way to mark our first Heritage Awareness Day, and I hope visitors will take the opportunity to spend 6th October exploring the country’s history and heritage at one of our sites.
“We continue to see increased numbers of visitors to our sites, demonstrating the enduring appeal and value of historic attractions, and their importance for Scotland’s wider tourism sector.
“This strong showing is also testament to the efforts of our staff, and I’d like to thank them for the great work they do in bringing our sites to life for visitors.”
HES, who manage over 70 Historic Scotland tourist attractions, welcomed record-breaking footfall at the beginning of 2017 with over 4m visitors flocking to the country’s historic sites – the first time that milestone had been reached in a single financial year.
Full details of the extended seasonal openings can be found at https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/extended-summer/.
For more information about Heritage Awareness Day and how you can get involved, visit www.historicenvironment.scot/heritageday. Join in the conversation on Twitter by following @HistEnvScot and #heritageday17.
Glasgow-based surgeon Colonel Sir George Thomas Beatson, acclaimed artist Joan Eardley and mathematician Mary Sommerville are among the latest recipients to be recognised through the Commemorative Plaque Scheme in Scotland.
Now in its fifth year, the scheme – run by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) – celebrates the life and work of significant persons from history by highlighting the link between them and a building connected with their work or life, giving an insight into both the life of the person and the social history of local architecture.
Each year, the scheme recognises 12 notable recipients and amongst this latest batch is physician George Thomas Beatson (1848 -1933), who published a paper in 1886 which detailed pioneering treatment of advanced breast cancer; Joan Eardley (1921 -1963), one of Scotland’s most enduringly popular artists, noted for her portraiture of street children in Glasgow and for her paintings of the fishing village of Catterline; and Scottish science writer and polymath Mary Somerville (1780 -1872), one of the first female members of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Martin Ross, Policy and Projects Manager forHES, said: “By running this scheme, we are placing a spotlight on the social and human stories behind Scotland’s local and national architecture and the different contributions of those who helped to shape Scotland’s story. This latest group of recipients highlights this diversity and ranges from explorers and writers to mathematicians and golfers. We hope that by recognising them in this way it encourages people to find out more about their role in Scotland’s varied and extensive history.
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop said: “This latest round of plaque recipients celebrates a range people from different walks of life and various periods of Scottish history. It’s especially encouraging to see a greater representation for women – from astronomer Mary Sommerville to artist Joan Eardley, whose powerful paintings transformed Scotland’s everyday surroundings. I hope that today’s announcement will lead to a far greater recognition of the contribution each of these remarkable people have made to Scottish society and, in many cases, to the wider world.
“With 2017 being the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, it is particularly important that we celebrate the achievements of some of the most remarkable figures in Scotland’s history and their links with our urban landscape and famous buildings. This scheme helps enhance our rich cultural tradition and diverse built heritage.”
Other recipients of the scheme include pioneers in the fields of engineering, architecture, literature, sport, science, and politics:
Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton 1874 – 1922
Polar explorer who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic, and one of the principal figures of the period known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration
Location: 14 South Learmonth Gardens, Edinburgh
Charles Glover Barkla 1877 – 1944
British physicist and Nobel prize winner for Physics in 1917. He was a key experimentalist solidifying our understanding of the quantum world.
Location: Hermitage of Braid Nature Reserve, Braid Road, Edinburgh
Willie Park Snr 1833 – 1903
One of the most prominent Scottish golfers in the mid-late 1800s, who promoted the development of the game as an open event which came to be known as the ‘Open Championship’. He won the Open four times and was the greatest golfer of his day.
Location: 23 Ravenshaugh Road, Musselburgh
Walter Macfarlane 1817 – 1885
Local politician and pioneer of pre-fabricated architectural ironwork, who supplied rainwater goods, bandstands, fountains, banking halls and entire railway stations to India and South Africa.
Location: 22 Circus Park, Glasgow.
Margaret (Maggie) McIver nee Russell 1879 – 1958
The Barras Queen saved money to buy the land for a market to enable the hawkers to sell their goods. Enclosing the market allowed Maggie to build a second floor, which in turn could be used as a ballroom, later becoming a venue for dances, and attracted musicians from all over the world.
Location: 244 Gallowgate, Glasgow
Phyllis Mary Bone 1894 – 1972
Renowned female sculptor and illustrator, who was the first female Royal Scottish Academy member, contributing to Scotland’s rich sculptural heritage and inspiring women artists in Scotland.
Location: Belford Mews, Dean Village, Edinburgh
Mary Burton 1778 – 1818
Scottish novelist and writer. Burton holds an important place in the history of Scottish women’s literature, standing alongside her contemporaries Susan Edmonstone Ferrier and Christian Isobel Johnstone in developing a tradition of national domestic fiction in post-Enlightenment Scotland.
Location: The Manse, 1 Greyfriars, Edinburgh
Robert Stevenson 1772 – 1850
Famous Scottish lighthouse engineer and the grandfather of ‘Treasure Island’ author Robert Louis Stevenson. He devoted himself with determination to follow the profession of a civil engineer, and applied himself to the practice of surveying, and architectural drawing.
Location: 1-3 Baxter’s Place, Edinburgh
Christian Isobel Johnstone 1781 – 1857
Prolific journalist and author, writing a number of popular fiction and non- fiction works during her lifetime. Mrs Johnstone wished to curate and present stories in a manner that could be received by the working poor, to open up the demographic of the readership and give more people the opportunity to read.
Location: 2 Walker Street, Edinburgh
As part of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, two replica terracotta warriors will be on display at Stirling Castle, having been presented to the nation by Chinese cultural counterparts.
The two reproductions, made using traditional materials and techniques, were formally accepted by Minister for International Development and Europe Dr Alasdair Allan on behalf of the Scottish public.
International Development Minister Alasdair Allan said: “I’d like to thank the Beijing HUA XIA YAN International Culture and Creative Company for gifting these two outstanding replica Terracotta Warriors to the people of Scotland. It is fitting that this Chinese cultural showcase is being held at a time when Scotland celebrates the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017.”
Dr David Mitchell, Director of Conservation at HES, said: “Traditional skills and materials are particularly important to us, and our discussions with our Chinese colleagues have demonstrated that we share many common challenges and can benefit from sharing our knowledge.
“As a part of important activities in the Scottish Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, HES and the University of Stirling have been working with Beijing HUA XIA YAN International Culture and Creative Company from early this year to get the two beautiful reproductions of the Terracotta Warriors to Stirling.”
Professor Richard Oram, Dean of Arts and Humanities at the University of Stirling, said: “We are tremendously privileged these replicas have been made for us using the same handcrafting techniques as the originals. The original terracotta warriors represented the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China in 210–209 BCE, and whose purpose was to protect the emperor in his afterlife. The figures, dating from approximately the late 3rd century BCE, were discovered in 1974 by farmers in Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi province.”
Visitors to Stirling Castle will also be able to see the ‘China Culture & Craft’ showcase which is being held in the Chapel Royal from 1 to 29 September 2017, as part of collaboration between Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the University of Stirling and the Art Exhibitions China. The exhibition will showcase around 100 Chinese artisan craft objects, made in traditional materials and using traditional techniques. Some of them will be contemporary in design and material combined with traditional style, employing innovative craftsmanship. Exhibits include iconic bronze reproductions, stone craft, wood crafts and other creative productions made using traditional techniques.
The bronze reproductions include the famous Square Vessel (fang zun) with four rams which was made in the late Shang period between 1300-1046 BC and excavated in 1938, the Painted Goose and Fish Lamp which was made in the Western Han between 206 BC – 8 AD and excavated in 1985, and The Mask with Protruding Eyes, which was made in the late Shang between 1300-1046 BC and excavated in 1986 at Sanxingdui.
The small size reproductions of the Bronze Chariot and Horses which was excavated from Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum and other terracotta warriors-related creative productions will also be displayed in this show case.
In January 2017, HES signed an international agreement with the University of Stirling and The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, in Beijing, China. This partnership has established international research collaborations for heritage and conservation at the University which investigate a range of issues facing built heritage and the impacts of climate and wider environmental changes on a global scale.
From 1-2 September, the University of Stirling, The Palace Museum and HES will host an inaugural international conference on global challenges in cultural heritage, which will bring together academics, conservation practitioners and heritage professionals from around the world to explore and share approaches to specific challenges in relation to a range of shared issues, and to highlight Scotland’s place, and in particular Stirling, as an international centre for research and innovation in heritage and conservation.
Entry to the ‘China Culture & Craft’ showcase is included in the normal Stirling Castle admission price and is free for members.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is urging people across Edinburgh to come face to face with history as details of the inaugural Heritage Awareness Day were revealed at the iconic Leith Theatre.
Heritage Awareness Day – Scotland’s first-ever day dedicated to celebrating heritage – will take place on Friday 6th October, as the country continues to celebrate the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
Leith Theatre took centre stage for the launch, which saw identical twins, Melanie and Eliza Chiswell (20) and Blair and Samuel McCullough (4) face a mirror image of the past as part of an open invitation to place a spotlight on Scotland’s heritage on 6th October.
Heritage Awareness Day has been launched with the aim of showcasing Scotland’s rich and diverse heritage and encouraging individuals, organisations and communities across the country to share and celebrate heritage in all its different forms.
With the countdown now officially underway, groups, individuals, communities and schools across Edinburgh are being encouraged to delve into the past and explore their heritage as part of this nationwide initiative.
Whether it’s highlighting local heritage projects, theming a community event or gathering, encouraging schools to research or dress up as a historical character to raise funds for a community project of their choice, or taking the opportunity to share and celebrate heritage through a virtual conversation online, Heritage Awareness Day is a chance to collectively celebrate Scotland’s vibrant and varied heritage.
Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland, Alex Paterson said:
“Scotland’s first-ever Heritage Awareness Day will provide a platform for people across the country to celebrate heritage in all its different forms.
“Heritage means different things to different people and spans everything from places, traditions, buildings and landscapes to family history, people and archaeology. It promotes a sense of place, shapes and defines communities, and we want the day to be a celebration of this.
“It also continues to play an important role in shaping Scotland’s story, not only telling the story of the past, but also makes an important and diverse contribution today from being a key tourism driver, to inspiring fantastic local projects and helping to make a positive contribution to communities up and down the country through the reuse of historic buildings.
“Venues such as Leith Theatre very much demonstrate the ethos of this campaign, where the community has been empowered to preserve their local heritage and give a new lease of life to this historic building.
“We hope that what is being achieved here in Leith encourages other groups and individuals throughout Scotland to get involved on October 6th and highlight and celebrate heritage.”
The launch marking the countdown to the big day took place at Edinburgh’s Leith Theatre, a historic venue currently entering a new chapter in its story.
Gifted to the people of Leith following the decision in 1920 to incorporate The Burgh of Leith into Edinburgh, it opened its doors in 1932, and welcomed acts ranging from Thin Lizzy to AC/DC. Following its heyday, it continued to serve sporadically as a venue for events such as the Edinburgh Festival until 1988 when it finally closed its doors.
The Leith Theatre Trust is now embarking on plans to bring the site into re-use, and have launched a fund-raising campaign to create a cultural hub at the theatre, which recently received grant funding through a new scheme, The Scottish Community Development Grant, administered by The Architectural Heritage Fund and supported by Historic Environment Scotland to help the project move into its next phase.
Ian Webb, Venue Manager, Leith Theatre Trust said:
“Leith Theatre is a significant part of Leith’s cultural story and is continuing its heritage narrative as a vibrant creative hub in Edinburgh making it the perfect launch pad for Heritage Awareness Day and what the celebration entails.
“A key element of the Heritage Awareness Day campaign is to encourage people to celebrate local history in their community, and we hope that people across the country take the opportunity to get involved and highlight the incredible heritage on their doorsteps.”
To help facilitate opportunities to get involved, a series of resources offering ideas and inspiration have been created, available to download at www.historicenvironment.scot/heritageday.
For more information, and to take part in the countdown to October 6th, follow us on Twitter at @HistEnvScot, and explore the hashtag #HeritageDay17.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has launched a consultation on its Gaelic Language Plan for 2018 to 2023.
The plan seeks to build upon the organisation’s success with Gaelic development, which includes the incorporation of Gaelic interpretation into 29 of its historical sites, a learning program that has benefitted over 4,000 pupils and teachers and a strong portfolio of Gaelic media content for adult learners.
New targets are proposed to increase knowledge and understanding of Gaelic as part of the historic environment via online resources. A new series of investigations are planned to explore the links between Gaelic and properties in care of HES, and where found, new discoveries will feature in their interpretations and exhibitions.
On the back of the success of Year of History, Heritage and Archeology, the plan will look ahead to supporting Year of Young People in 2018 by implementing a review of their learning program. This will aim to better support a burgeoning Gaelic Medium Education sector with projects and interactive resources bringing the next generation of Gaelic speakers closer in touch with our shared history.
Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Shirley-Anne Somerville said:
“I welcome these proposals from Historic Environment Scotland to further integrate Gaelic into its activities through this new Gaelic Language Plan.
“Gaelic language and culture forms a key part of Scotland’s history and heritage and it is fitting that this consultation is being undertaken during the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
“We are committed to ensuring Gaelic has a sustainable future which is why there needs to be a concerted effort on the part of Government and its agencies, the public and private sectors, community bodies and individual speakers to promote its use in as many ways as possible.
“Gaelic Language Plans are a key component of this and I would encourage all those with an interest to participate in the consultation.”
The plan also includes proposals for new Gaelic souvenir products to be sold at key HES sites, and a pilot project at Urquhart Castle which will increase the prominence and use of Gaelic within the visitor experience.
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland said:
“We have developed an ambitious plan, which will help to illustrate the place of Gaelic within Scottish culture, while increasing resources for Gaelic speakers and learners. We want this consultation to reach as many people as possible, so we can ensure that the final plan is robust and representative. We very much look forward to reviewing the feedback.”
The use of Gaelic in the hit TV series Outlander, has sparked increased interest in Gaelic amongst visitors to Scotland, with historic sites linked to the TV series continuing to see significant rises in visitor numbers. The HES-produced video series “Gaelic for Outlanders”, has proven to be a hit amongst YouTube audiences, demonstrating the potential for further Gaelic development that draws upon Scotland’s history and heritage.
In addition to Gaelic, the plan also envisions supporting local heritage projects in their use of Scots, Doric and Lallans, recognising the role that languages and dialects play in local heritage around Scotland.
The consultation runs from 15 August to 31 October. People can contribute to it at: historicenvironment.scot/gaelic-consultation
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.
Nominations will soon close for the Scottish Heritage Angels Awards 2017, and groups and individuals – or ‘Angels’ – who have played a special part in caring for, recording and celebrating the nation’s historic environment are being urged to enter before the deadline of Friday 11th August.
Launched in 2014 and funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation (ALWF), and run by the Scottish Civic Trust in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Archaeology Scotland and the Scottish Government, the scheme seeks to celebrate both groups and individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to promote, protect and, in many cases, rescue Scotland’s heritage.
Last year saw entry submissions from the length and breadth of Scotland, with eventual winners including Mark Cranston, for his remarkable efforts to collect, catalogue and research Scottish bricks, and Dig TV, a television channel run entirely by young people to highlight an archaeological dig in Dumfries, which scooped the first Young Heritage Angel award.
This year, a brand new set of categories have been introduced for the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards. They are:
• Best Rescue of a Historic Building
• Best Contribution to a Heritage Project by Young People
• Best Craftsperson or Apprentice on a Heritage Rescue or Repair Project
• Best Rescue, Recording or Interpretation of a Historic Place
Nominations close on Friday 11th August. A panel of heritage experts will have the tough task of whittling down shortlists for each category and a panel of judges will choose the eventual winners who will be announced at the Scottish Heritage Angels Awards ceremony on Monday 16th October at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh.
In an exciting first, an overall winner from the Heritage Angel Awards in Scotland, England and Northern Ireland will be selected and crowned at the London ceremony.
John Pelan, Director of the Scottish Civic Trust, said:” With just days to go until the deadline, we’re urging people to get their entries and nominations in before 11th August.
“This year we’re looking for professionals and apprentices, as well as volunteers and voluntary groups who can demonstrate that their project has had a wider community benefit.
“Last year we showcased some wonderful projects reflecting the scale and diversity of heritage initiatives throughout the country, and I am confident that in in this Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology we can do so again.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose charitable foundation helped establish the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards, said: “‘I am delighted that the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards are open for another year of applications.
“Too often the individuals and groups who work tirelessly to protect their local historic buildings go unnoticed. We set up the Angel Awards in Scotland three years ago to change all that. I encourage everyone to come forward and celebrate these stars of heritage – those who keep our heritage alive and thriving for the next generation deserve to stand in the spotlight.”
The Scottish Heritage Angel Awards support the delivery of Scotland’s historic environment strategy Our Place in Time, which places a strong focus on supporting and enabling community participation and engagement across the historic environment.
For full details on how to enter the 2017 Scottish Heritage Angel Awards, nominate someone else for an award or find out about our previous winners, please visit www.scottishheritageangelawards.org.uk.
Keep up to date with the latest from the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards on Twitter at @ScotAngelAwards.
Visitors to Duff House will soon have the opportunity to view a masterpiece by one of the most famous artists of the twentieth century.
Pablo Picasso’s Les Soles, on loan from National Galleries of Scotland, will go on display at the Georgian mansion in Banff from Tuesday 1 August.
Les Soles was inspired by the bustling markets of the seaside town Royan, in southwestern France. It depicts a crab and two fish, said to represent Picasso and two of his mistresses.
The work was painted during a three month trip to Paris in March 1940 while Picasso was still based in Royan, shortly before he fled his coastal retreat when it was occupied by Nazi troops.
Graeme Curran, Manager of Duff House, which is operated by Historic Environment Scotland, in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council and the National Galleries of Scotland said: “We’re delighted that Duff House will host an artwork from one of the most iconic artists of the modern era.
“Banff, as a coastal town, seems a fitting location for exhibition of Picasso’s Les Soles, which so vividly draws inspiration from life by the sea.
“This is a great opportunity for art lovers in the north east to admire a perhaps lesser known work of a true master.”
Pablo Picasso was one of the best known artists of the twentieth century. Originally from Spain, he spent most of his adult life in France. An immensely influential and prolific artist, it is estimated he produced over 50, 000 artworks in his lifetime.
Hannah Brocklehurst, Scottish National Galleries Managing Curator for Duff House, said: “‘We are absolutely delighted to be bringing this outstanding masterpiece to audiences at Duff House.
“Owing to the fragility of the painting it rarely travels, and this will be the first time in many years that this has seen outside of Edinburgh. We are thrilled to be showing this important work in such a beautiful venue.”
Picasso’s Les Soles will be on display at Duff House from Tuesday 1 August – Sunday 29 October 2017. Entry to view the painting is included in the Duff House admission price, and is free for members.
For further information about events and exhibitions at Duff House, visit www.historicenvironment.scot.
Image: Les Soles, Pablo Picasso. © Historic Environment Scotland.
