Young explorers can access historic places for just £1

The initiative aims to engage younger people with Scotland’s heritage and share the stories of these fascinating places with even more visitors, supporting the commitment by each of the partners to make historic places accessible to everyone.

At a time when the country is facing a cost-of-living crisis, the scheme will allow young people to experience the benefits of engaging with Scotland’s heritage, for minimal cost. As well as enjoying the health and wellbeing benefits of exploring the great outdoors and experiencing some stunning landscapes, we’re offering the opportunity to discover a new passion, through carefully designed gardens and curated collections within some of the country’s historic buildings.

With the free bus travel initiative also enabling those aged under 22 to travel across the country free of charge, there’s never been a better time for young people to get out and explore the many heritage sites Scotland has to offer.

Throughout the year, people aged 11–25 who hold a Young Scot NEC will be able to enjoy £1 admission at dozens of National Trust for Scotland places. If you’re interested in Scotland’s wildlife, you can spot a wealth of species across the different properties protected and shared by our conservation charity, from Inveresk Lodge Garden (near Edinburgh) to Inverewe in the North West Highlands. Or, if you have an interest in Scotland’s grandest properties, you can journey to Castle Fraser, Culzean Castle or Alloa Tower, all in the care of our charity. Art lovers can revel in one of the finest art collections in the Trust’s care at Fyvie Castle, or discover Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s architectural masterpiece at the Hill House.

Last year, Crathes Castle proved the most popular National Trust for Scotland place for Young Scot NEC holders, with 468 visits. This was closely followed by the Tenement House in Glasgow, which saw 334 visitors, and Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire, which welcomed 277.

The initiative also enables access to Historic Environment Scotland (HES) full ticketed properties across the length and breadth of the country, including iconic sites such as Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. Young visitors can explore island properties ranging from the Benedictine abbey on Iona to 5,000 years of history at the Neolithic village of Skara Brae in Orkney. Other participating HES sites across Scotland include those that have graced film and TV productions, such as Doune Castle and Blackness Castle.

In addition to enjoying £1 entry to all National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland sites, Young Scot NEC holders can access the following Historic Houses sites this year: Inveraray Castle, Ballindalloch Castle, Blair Castle, Hopetoun House, Cawdor Castle, Floors Castle and Drummond Castle.