Historic Environment Scotland to extend summer season
Some of Orkney’s best-loved historic attractions will be keeping their doors open for longer this year as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announced extended seasonal opening at sites across the county.
As part of the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, summer-only sites — including three sites in Orkney — will be welcoming visitors until Tuesday, October 31.
Visitors will have further opportunity to explore Bishop and Earl’s Palaces, Orkney’s oldest surviving domestic building; Broch of Gurness, one of the most outstanding examples of a later prehistoric settlement to survive in Scotland; and Hackness Martello Tower and Battery, impressive coastal defences built to protect merchant shipping interests during the Napoleonic Wars.
The extended season will also form part of the celebration of Scotland’s first-ever Heritage Awareness Day, which is set to take place on Friday, October 6. Shining a spotlight on heritage throughout the country, Heritage Awareness Day is an opportunity for people across Scotland to share and celebrate heritage in all its different forms.
Alex Paterson, chief executive of HES, was pleased to announce the extended opening of over 50 HES sites.
“Extending the season until October 31 will allow visitors to enjoy our sites for longer as we celebrate the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology,” he said.
“It is also a special way to mark our first Heritage Awareness Day, and I hope visitors will take the opportunity to spend 6th October exploring the country’s history and heritage at one of our sites.”
Mr Paterson believes that the increased numbers of visitors at HES sites, demonstrates the enduring appeal and value of historical attractions, and their importance for Scotland’s wider tourism sector.
“This strong showing is also testament to the efforts of our staff, and I’d like to thank them for the great work they do in bringing our sites to life for visitors,” he added.