Historic Sundays will run from October 1, 2023, through to March 3, 2024. Simply pre-book online and show your proof of address on arrival. Although many of the free tickets have already been snapped up for the October Historic Sunday, more tickets are due to be released for the coming months shortly. Visitors are advised by Historic Environment Scotland to keep up to date at their website.
9. Huntly Castle
Huntly Castle is a noble ruin famous for both the quality of its architecture and for its eventful history. Its beautiful setting is the green heart of the Aberdeenshire countryside. The earls of Fife built the original castle, the Peel of Strathbogie, around 1190, to guard the crossing-point where the rivers Bogie and Deveron meet. But it was the mighty Gordons who made the stronghold their own from the 1300s and eventually renamed it Huntly Castle. The surviving remains tell the story of the development of the castle in Scotland, from the motte and bailey of the 1100s, through the tower house of the later Middle Ages, to the stately stone palace of the Jacobean era. Photo: HES Archive
10. St Andrews Cathedral
St Rule’s Church was likely built around 1130, as the first place of worship in Scotland for the newly arrived Augustinian canons. This Continental reformed order supplanted the existing clergy. The 33m tall St Rule’s Tower may have been a beacon for pilgrims heading for the shrine of St Andrew. The cathedral was begun in 1160–2 by Bishop Arnold. Work continued over the next 150 years, but was stalled by a storm in 1272, which blew down the west front, and by the first War of Independence against England. When the cathedral was finally dedicated in 1318 – in the presence of Robert the Bruce, by then king – it was by far the largest church in Scotland. Photo: HES Archive
11. Jedburgh Abbey
Jedburgh had been an important religious site for 300 years when the Augustinians arrived in 1138. No buildings survive from this earlier period, but many artefacts and archaeological finds give an insight into life before the abbey. The visitor centre displays some exceptional carved stone fragments such as crosses and a sarcophagus. These date from the 700s to 1000s and are similar in style to Northumbrian work from the time. Photo: HES Archive
12. Aberdour Castle and Gardens
Aberdour Castle has seen 500 years of noble living, serving as a residence to the powerful Mortimer, Randolph and Douglas families. Today, its ruined structures and roofed buildings show clearly how a medieval castle could be extended and adapted over time. First built to give its owner a secure place of strength and comfortable lodgings, Aberdour was later enlarged in several stages. It became an extensive, outward-looking residence surrounded by beautiful gardens and pleasure grounds. The castle tells us a great deal about changes in architectural and domestic fashion as well as about the rising fortunes of its owners. Photo: HES Archive