Scotland’s historic buildings still a hit with young people

Young Scots love castles, according to Scotland’s top heritage organisations.

The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and Historic Houses are working together, offers £1 access for holders of Young Scot cards during the Year of Young People.

Of the hundreds who’ve already used their Young Scot card to enjoy this historically low discount, the majority have chosen to visit castles.

More than 65% of young visitors taking up the offer have stormed the ramparts with Edinburgh, Stirling and Crathes Castles proving popular, showing Scotland’s young people love its oldest buildings.

Mark Bishop, director of customer and cause at the National Trust for Scotland said: ‘It’s fantastic to see young people out enjoying our national and natural treasures. From coastlines to castles, art to architecture, wildlife to wilderness, there’s so much more to explore.’

Alex Paterson, chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland, said: ‘We have had a great response to the one pound offer since it launched in February, with castles seeing the highest footfall since the scheme was launched. However, it’s not just castles – palaces and abbeys, such as Linlithgow Palace and Arbroath Abbey, have also proved popular with young people, who have been exploring Scotland’s heritage.’

Stirling Castle

The Earl of Hopetoun, chair of Historic Houses Scotland added: ‘We are thrilled to be involved with this initiative.

‘We represent the nation’s largest collection of independently owned historic houses and gardens and are here to ensure these historic homes stay alive for generations to come. Making these sites more accessible to young people is of huge importance to us and we hope that Young Scot card holders enjoy exploring our fascinating homes.’

Louise Macdonald, chief executive of Young Scot said: ‘I’m delighted to see young people getting out and seeing what Scotland has to offer. There’s so much to explore and this excellent discount is making it even easier for young people to experience Scotland’s treasures and heritage sites.’

Holders of Young Scot cards can access all National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and Historic Houses places for £1 during 2018, Scotland’s Year of Young People.

There are over 670,000 Young Scot cardholders in Scotland – over two-thirds of all young Scots – and the card is available for free to all young people living in Scotland aged 11- 26. To access the discount young people just need to present their card when buying their ticket. The discount will run throughout the Year of Young People 2018.