Free admission to historic attractions

Nov 17 2009 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

HUNTINGTOWER Castle on the outskirts of Perth is among the 47 properties owned by Historic Scotland preparing for the St Andrews Free Weekend – which this year forms a part of Homecoming Scotland Finale celebrations – over the weekend of November 28 and 29.

Since 1996, Historic Scotland has offered free entry to Edinburgh Castle and St Andrews Castle and Cathedral on the national day.

However, to make St Andrew’s Day more of a national day of celebration, Historic Scotland took the decision three years ago to waive admission charges to a wide range of its properties for a special Scotland-wide St Andrew’s promotion – a move which has proved extremely popular with visitors from this country and overseas.

This year, there is an even greater choice of sites to visit for free.

Edinburgh Castle will play a key focus in the celebrations with the free entry applying to three days – 28th, 29th and 30th November. There will also be various special events taking place such as costumed performers and fireworks in the evening.

The St Andrew’s Free Weekend offer covers a wide selection of historic attractions across the length and breadth of Scotland, from Orkney and the Western Isles to the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

Peter Bromley, director of properties in care, said: “This is such a great opportunity to get out and see the wealth of fascinating historic attractions we have on our doorstep as part of the Homecoming Finale celebrations and in recognition of our national day.

“Our sites spread all the way across the country, which means people won’t be too far away from a free Historic Scotland attraction over the St Andrew’s Free Weekend.”