Some of Courier Country’s best-loved heritage attractions will give thousands of free tickets away for its St Andrew’s Day celebrations this weekend.
Sites including Arbroath Abbey, Stirling Castle, Huntingtower Castle, and St Andrews Cathedral are among 35 Historic Scotland properties to offer free online tokens for up to two adults and three children.
Pre-registry is now available through www.ticketgiveaway.co.uk and visitors can print off their tickets before 5pm on Friday.
People can apply for tickets for either Saturday or Sunday. In order to ensure a quality experience for visitors, the number of pre-registered tickets will be capped at each site.
This includes 7,000 per day at Edinburgh Castle and 3,500 per day at Stirling Castle.
Arbroath Abbey Action Group member Harry Ritchie said there will be a lot of activity at the abbey on Saturday but people must get online quickly to guarantee a ticket.
“Timethemes (re-enactment society) will be there along with music and various events,” he said.
“Add in free tickets and it will be a fantastic day.”
In Arbroath, the Clarsach Society will play at the abbey visitor centre and Arbroath Pipe Band will perform outside.
Historic Scotland tourism director Stephen Duncan said: “The ticket giveaway is a fantastic way to celebrate the St Andrew’s Day weekend.
“There is a huge array of different sites to visit and with visitors able to pre-register for tickets for up to two adults and three children in a single transaction, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy many of Scotland’s historic properties for free.
“The tickets won’t be around for long so we’d encourage people to be quick to register so they don’t miss out on the chance to visit their favourite property of choice.”
The giveaway is part of the Scottish Government’s Winter Festivals programme, which celebrates St Andrew’s Day, Hogmanay and Burns Night.
Scottish Government Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland has some of the most diverse heritage in the world from global icons, such as Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction, Edinburgh Castle, through to island abbeys such as Iona.
“Each site has a fascinating story to tell, from Stirling Castle which was home to many of the most famous Stewart kings and queens through to Skara Brae in Orkney, one of the best preserved prehistoric villages in Europe.
“Meanwhile, from the Blackhouse in the Western Isles to the magnificent Borders abbeys, our countryside is dotted with reminders of Scotland’s past.
“The ticket giveaway is a great opportunity for people to enjoy the heritage on their doorstep, or to venture further afield.”