The Rock of Ages will be a history lesson that’s fun

Over 2000 years of Scottish history will come to life with a unique multi-period history extravaganza this weekend.

Dumbarton Castle will host The Rock of Ages this weekend (Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 June).

To mark the centenary of the end of the First World War, visitors to this year’s event can explore First World War trenches, meet the soldiers and experience battle scenes in ‘no man’s land’ to find out what life was like on the front line.

Each day there will be an aerial display by a replica British fighter SE5 aircraft used in the First World War.
Visitors can also meet suffragettes to mark 100 years since some British women first got the vote.

There will be history camps from throughout the ages, where visitors will meet historic characters, including Mary Queen of Scots and Napoleonic soldiers.

Visitors to Dumbarton Castle will be able to meet people from history

Visitors can hear tales from Roman soldiers who were stationed along the Antonine Wall in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, find out how Vikings lived, and try their hand at everyday medieval skills. Fun family activities include stone carving, calligraphy, coin and flour making, and Viking games.

Dumbarton Castle, one of over 70 staffed Historic Scotland attractions managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), is one of Scotland’s oldest strongholds and has a long and varied history filled with Vikings, nobles and military campaigns.

Laura Gray, assistant events manager at HES, said: ‘We’re really excited to bring The Rock of Ages back for another action-packed weekend. With our new First World War trenches and life-like battle-scenes, there’s even more opportunity for families to delve deeper into Scotland’s past.’

The Rock of Ages takes place at Dumbarton Castle, noon–4pm on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 June and is free for Historic Scotland members.

For non-members, entry costs £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and £6 for children aged 5 -15 years-old. Family tickets are available.

Please note, the aerial display is subject to weather permitting.