Young Scots get into attractions for just a pound
A number of historical sites in Perthshire will be lowering their drawbridges and opening their gates to young people for only £1.
To celebrate Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018, Historic Environment Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland and Historic Houses Association have agreed to allow young people to come in and explore for only £1 throughout the year with their Young Scot card.
In Perthshire, this will include Huntingtower Castle, Blair Castle, Drummond Castle Gardens and Branklyn Gardens, as well as Dunblane Cathedral and Doune Castle just outside of Perth and Kinross.
This comes after a group of young people working for the National Trust of Scotland said historic sites are often too expensive for young people to visit.
Mena Kirmani, one of the young members of the group making this recommendation, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for young Scots in Perthshire to explore Scotland’s history and celebrate the Year of Young People 2018.
“This comes directly from our work on the heritage blueprint so it’s amazing to see the heritage sector listening to young people and making our recommendations become a reality.”
Simon Skinner, chief executive of the National Trust for Scotland, whose Perthshire sites include Branklyn Gardens, said: “The heritage blueprint produced by young Scots was a truly pioneering and influential piece of work - it reminded us that there are real barriers to overcome if we are to put young people in touch with their country’s historic and naturally beautiful places.
“Their insights, and the opportunity presented to us by the Year of Young People 2018, encouraged us to do something about the issues raised. Price was a particular barrier and is what prompted us to propose the £1 entry offer. I think it is a wonderful thing that Historic Environment Scotland and Historic Houses Association have agreed to join with Branklyn Gardens in Perth us to make this amazing offer.
“What our organisations have in common is that we are mere custodians - we care for these places so that they can be passed on to and enjoyed by future generations. It is therefore vital that we encourage young people to see and experience what will one day become theirs to cherish for the generations that follow them.”
Alex Paterson, chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland, whose sites in Perthshire include Huntingtower Castle, said: “We’re delighted to offer Young Scot cardholders this fantastic opportunity to explore our historic sites for only £1.
“This year we will be putting young people at the heart of everything we do, celebrating the valuable contribution they already make and creating new opportunities to get involved with Scotland’s historic environment.
“I’d encourage Scotland’s young people to take advantage of this historic offer and go explore the country’s rich and diverse history first-hand.” Drummond Castle Gardens