Historic Sundays are returning to Scotland from this weekend, giving everyone living in the country free access to some of its most iconic heritage sites. The annual initiative runs on the first Sunday of each month from October 2026 to March 2027.
25 sites open for free
The offer covers 25 forts, cathedrals and castles across Scotland. Visitors can explore the ruins of Mary Queen of Scots' birthplace at Linlithgow Palace or visit one of Scotland's greatest stone castles in Stirling.
Other free sites include Fort George, built after the Battle of Culloden as a secure base for King George II's army, and the prehistoric village of Skara Brae, described as the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe.
Booking and residency rules
On the Historic Scotland website, the organisation states: "We want everyone to enjoy a great day out at our sites, because we believe history belongs to us all!"
The statement continues: "Whether you've not visited before due to cost, or you feel history isn't for you, this is your opportunity to visit some of the most iconic sites across Scotland. Join us on the first Sunday of every month until March 2027, and get free entry to sites near you."
The offer is available only online and tickets must be booked in advance. Visitors may be asked to prove they are Scottish residents by providing their address on arrival.
Monthly release and full list
Historic Sundays first launched in 2023. The scheme begins on Sunday, October 4 and runs until March 2027. Scots who miss out on tickets this time can try again the following month, with release times announced on the Historic Scotland website around a fortnight before each event.
The full list of participating sites includes Aberdour Castle and Gardens, Arbroath Abbey, Blackness Castle, Caerlaverock Castle, Craigmillar Castle, Dirleton Castle, Doune Castle, Dryburgh Abbey, Duff House, Dumbarton Castle, Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel, Edinburgh Castle, Elgin Cathedral, Fort George, Huntingtower Castle, Jedburgh Abbey, Linlithgow Palace, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, Melrose Abbey, Rothesay Castle, Skara Brae, St Andrews Castle, Stirling Castle, Tantallon Castle and Urquhart Castle.
For more information, including opening times and access, visitors can check the Historic Scotland website.
