Pictish history andmore
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced its seasonal programme for 2023 - with the reopening of Perthshire sites and increased offerings at popular attractions.
Opening on April 1, a “high-tech experience” is offered at Stanley Mills to explore the interactive stories of the Industrial Revolution.
Visitors, meanwhile, can learn about Pictish history at the Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum.
Stanley Mills is open Wednesday to Sunday, while Meigle Museum is open Monday to Saturday.
Opening later this month - and where the kingdoms of the Picts, Scots and Northumbria can be explored - is St Serf’s Church and Dupplin Cross.
Other local seasonal attractions, which incorporate some of Scotland’s most iconic sites, will also open their doors once more, with other yearround sites reopening to visitors following a prioritised programme of works in the face of accelerating climate change.
Several sites will also reopen this spring following high-level masonry inspections.
Access restrictions were put in place at a number of sites last year as a safety precaution while HES introduced new measures to manage the impact of climate change on its heritage assets.
Craig Mearns, director of operations at HES, said: “We are thrilled to be able to welcome visitors to so many of our historic sites this season, with members of the public being able to explore much-loved heritage attractions across the country.
“We hope as many people as possible explore Scotland’s world-famous historic environment this spring. From castles, palaces and abbeys to museums, brochs and towers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Information about individual sites, including opening dates and times, can be found at the website historyawaits.scot
The director of a Perthshire music festival reckons its second outing this summer will go “beyond all expectations” as the latest tranche of acts was announced. Otherlands Music and Arts Festival, following a successful debut, will be held at Scone Palace from August 11-13.
Organisers of the threeday camping retreat of music, arts and culture have now announced the latest additions to the lineup.
They say “the best upand-coming talent and award-winning headliners” will be making tracks for the iconic local venue. Included in the latest line-up announcement is Hunee – one of the most truly eclectic DJS from the last decade – alongside London-based Australian artist, DJ Boring who has in recent years taken to the stage at renowned festivals and had his sets streamed through the lens of Boiler Room and Mixmag.
Fresh from playing at Field Day, Parklife, Secret Garden Party and Boiler Room, Austrian born, Manchester located salute will be performing ahead of his debut album dropping later this year.
Mixmag’s impact artist of 2022, FKA.M4A, will be taking to the stage with his “inspiring, storytelling sets”.
And having launched his new musical chapter via his Aweh label, London-based Esa Williams is bringing his “embodying sound without limitations”.
Homegrown, popular DJS K4CIE and Éclair Fifi will also feature on the bill, bringing their own brand of Scottish, electronic style to the event alongside many more talented artists.
Sam Joss, Otherlands director, said: “After a resoundingly positive reaction to our initial acts’ announcement, we’re excited to share these latest additions to the impressive bill.
“We’ve been working hard to curate an incredible line-up and are beyond proud to keep the good news coming, with so many amazing DJS, artists and acts.”
Otherlands combines “cutting-edge music, forward-thinking art, boutique glamping and bespoke talks from industry leaders” in the idyllic setting of the Perthshire countryside.
The festival offers everything from live and electronic music, to punk, rock, and rap, and some of the most influential global and home-grown musical talents.
Headliners already announced for 2023 include the likes of Hudson Mohawke, Skin
On Skin, Nia Archives and Overmono.
The festival’s return follows last year’s success with headline acts including DJS BICEP, Jamie XX, Honey Dijon and daytime live performances from singers Joesef, Maverick Sabre and Biig Piig.
Mr Joss added: “I think the festival experience for our guests this year will go beyond all expectations. It’s certainly one you don’t want to miss.”
As well as a carefully curated line-up of forwardthinking artists spanning multiple stages, the festival will boast immersive art installations from leading Scottish artists.
Also set to take the stage are DJ Workshops, inspiring industry talks and panel discussions with industry leaders, and comedy hosted directly by Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival.
Meanwhile, restaurant brand, Six by Nico, will be hosting its first ever alfresco dining experience within the festival site with a brand-new themed sixcourse menu, exclusive to Otherlands.
Early bird festival tickets are now sold out but limited first release tickets are still available, ranging from £180-£189 for camping and non-camping options. Day tickets went on sale yesterday at www. otherlandsfestival.com/ book-tickets