The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and Historic Houses, has announced £1 entry to over 600 historic places across the country, for Young Scot National Entitlement Card holders. The initiative aims to engage the younger generation with Scotland’s heritage and share the stories of these fascinating places with even more people, supporting the commitment by each of the partners to make historic places accessible to everyone.
At a time when the country is still coping with the ongoing cost of living crisis, the scheme will allow young people to experience and explore Scotland’s heritage, for just £1.
As well as enjoying the health and wellbeing benefits of being in the great outdoors, they have the opportunity to discover a new passion, through the carefully designed gardens and curated collections within some of the country’s most historic buildings.
With the young person’s free bus travel initiative also allowing those aged under 22 to roam across the country at no cost, there’s never been a better time to get out and explore the many heritage sites across Scotland.
Throughout the year, young people aged 11-25 with a Young Scot National Entitlement Card will be able to visit over 100 National Trust for Scotland places for just £1. Those interested in Scotland’s wildlife can spot a wealth of species across the different properties protected and shared by the conservation charity, from Inveresk Lodge Garden, near Edinburgh, to Inverewe, in the North West Highlands.
Meanwhile, young people with an interest in Scotland’s grandest properties can journey to Castle Fraser, Culzean Castle or Alloa Tower, all cared for by the charity, while art lovers can revel in one of the finest art collections in the Trust’s care at Fyvie Castle, or discover Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s architectural masterpiece, the Hill House.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the country free of charge with the National Trust for Scotland by doing some munro bagging at places including Torridon and Ben Lomond, cycling through estates such as Crathes Castle, Garden and Estate, or walking across the Victorian suspension bridge at Corrieshalloch National Nature Reserve. With a number of adventure playgrounds at the charity’s places throughout Scotland, including Weehailes at Newhailes and the Burns-themed play area, Scots Wa-Hey, at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.
Last year Crathes Castle proved the most popular National Trust for Scotland place for Young Scot card holders, with 468 visits. This was closely followed by Tenement House in Glasgow, which saw 334 visitors, and Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire, which welcomed 277.
The initiative also enables access to Historic Environment Scotland (HES) full ticketed properties across the country, including iconic sites such as Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Young visitors can also explore island properties ranging from Iona Abbey to experiencing 5,000 years of history at the Neolithic village of Skara Brae on Orkney. Other participating HES sites across Scotland include those that have graced film and TV productions, including Doune Castle and Blackness Castle, famously known as the ship that never sailed, sitting at an angle over the Firth of Forth.
Young Scot National Entitlement Card holders can also access the following Historic Houses sites this year:
- Inveraray Castle
- Ballindalloch Castle
- Blair Castle
- Hopetoun House
- Cawdor Castle
- Floors Castle
- Drummond Castle
Originally introduced in 2018, the initiative has seen young people across the country save hundreds of thousands of pounds in entry fees to enjoy and explore Scotland’s rich heritage.
Philip Long OBE, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland, said: “Never have initiatives like the £1 entry for Young Scot card holders been so important, as they are now. As part of our charity’s vision to deliver nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, our objective is to enable a greater number of people and communities to access our properties to enjoy all they have to offer.
“With this in mind and with the current cost of living crisis, our charity wants to make sure our places are still accessible to young people, as we know how important it is that they’re given the opportunity to engage with Scotland’s natural and built heritage.
“Our country has a wealth of beautiful places to offer, and, as Scotland’s largest conservation charity, we look forward to welcoming Young Scot card holders and sharing the incredible stories of our country’s past with them, while we work to conserve and protect these places for them and future generations.”
Kirsten Urquhart, Chief Executive of Young Scot, said: “Supporting young people to visit remarkable historical sites using their Young Scot National Entitlement Card is a brilliant way to create opportunities so they can access positive experiences - and explore Scotland.
“As young people navigate the impact of the cost crisis, initiatives such as £1 entry to historical sites and free bus travel for under 22s are integral to ensuring young people continue to live well, thrive, and have fun.”
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland, added: “History is not only about the past. It is also a vital part of our daily lives today. As an organisation, our vision is ‘Heritage for All’ and widening opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with Scotland’s world renowned historic environment.
“We know how difficult things are for people just now and engaging with heritage has lots of benefits including well-being. We’re therefore really pleased to work with partners to provide significantly discounted access to many of our sites and attractions – including Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, and hope as many young people as possible take the opportunity to experience Scotland’s rich and diverse heritage.”
To find out more and explore the full list of site available as part of the scheme, visit all participating organisations’ websites:
- www.nts.org.uk
- www.historicenvironment.scot
- www.historichouses.org
Find out more information about the National Entitlement Card here.
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