Attractions mixing past and present

Choosing to holiday at home or opt for short breaks or day trips certainly won’t leave you short of things to do this summer.

Here are a few ideas for great attractions to visit right here in Courier Country. St Andrews Castle Explore a landmark caught in the Protestant Reformation struggle for hearts and minds.

St Andrews Castle was the official residence of Scotland’s leading bishop (and later archbishop) throughout the Middle Ages. Its size signalled the power and wealth of these important churchmen.

Visitors can descend into the castle’s unique underground mine and countermine to get a sense of medieval siege warfare.

They can also peer into the bottle dungeon – one of medieval Britain’s most infamous castle prisons.

And they will get the chance to marvel at the Hamilton Facade, an impressive frontage that reflects the wealth and taste of its builder.

For admission prices and opening hours, visit www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/st-andrewscastle Claypotts Castle To see one of our area’s hidden gems, pay a visit to perhaps the quirkiest castle in Scotland.

Claypotts Castle is an outstanding example of Scottish architecture built in the late 1500s. Its most striking features are its elaborate elevations.

Walk around it to fully appreciate the complex geometry of round towers, stair turrets and the crazy corbelling of the attic rooms.

Claypotts Castle is free to visit and the exterior can be viewed all year round. For internal access, phone 01241 878 756 in advance.

www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-aplace/places/claypotts-castle Dundee Science Centre A great option for a family day out anytime but especially on those rainy summer days, Dundee Science Centre aims to help families learn together.

Exhibitions offer the chance to get involved in hands-on experiences and encourage children and young people to engage with science.

Look out for a programme of summer exhibitions and workshops including Boom! Bang! Blast Off! and Digging up Dinosaurs.

www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk The Scottish Crannog Centre Step back more than 2,000 years in time at the Scottish Crannog Centre where you will find a unique reconstruction of an ancient loch dwelling.

The award-winning centre has something to interest everyone from tiny to tall historians.

The distinctive roundhouse is set over the beautiful Loch Tay making this a great spot for a family day out. Look out for demonstrations of how people lived in ancient times and other special events over the summer.

www.crannog.co.uk

St Andrews Castle and the Crannog Centre are two places where visitors can get a feel for the past.