2017 - Scotland's Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology
Scotland loves to assign themes to every year. This year is the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. No problem! We’ve got this!
Plans are afoot for how to maximize one entire year of focus on our ancestral past with a programme of events for all ages to bring history alive! The kind of past that you have to get your knees and fingers dirty to discover….. our archaeological past.
Who doesn’t want to get a piece of this? A great year-long focus to join live digs and restoration projects to increase Scottish clan and family exposure to Scots across the world. Take a piece of Scotland’s story through mesmerising storytelling, traditions, music and songs explaining Scotland from bottom up in words we understand.
Minecraft has even found its way into a packed programme of events! Many festivals in 2017 are utilising Scotland's abundant built heritage, with new events taking place within existing events and events outside traditional spaces in order to showcase our buildings and landmarks in new and imaginative ways…..
On World Heritage Day (18 April), Dig It! festival presents Scotland in Six - a signature event to celebrate six iconic nation-wide World Heritage Sites with 5,000 years in the making, with events running from dawn to dusk.
As Edinburgh Old Town and New Town begin to wake, competing medieval and classical music will flood the city thanks to wandering minstrels and a Battle of the Bands. In the Western Isles, participants will build, excavate and explore the captivating archipelago of St Kilda through the popular Minecraft video game.
The Forth Bridge festivities will feature three minute pop-up festivals from the 1890’s plus a steampunk surprise. Yarn-bombers and crochet hookers will descend on New Lanark to cover as much of the site as possible in colourful cotton. Over at the Antonine Wall, Picts chase down Romans over a 5k race, ending with a Great Roman Bake Off for spectators and runners. When the sun finally sets, participants at the Heart of Orkney will venture out for a glow-in-the-dark evening of storytelling, food and music.
Read about all the action at: www.digit2017.com
The signature events of the year are as follows;
Edinburgh Georgian Shadows - 23 Feb - 26 Mar (Edinburgh)
Scotland in Six - 18 April (Scotland-wide)
Tradfest Edinburgh - 26 April - 7 May (Edinburgh)
Paisley's International Festival of Weaving - 1 - 2 Jul (Paisley)
Purvai - August (Stornoway)
Follow the Vikings roadshow & festival - 2 & 3 and 8 & 9 September (Shetland)
Horsepower - 9 September (Falkirk)
Mary Queen of Scots festival - September (Kinross & Loch Leven)
Shining Lives - Autumn 2017 (New Lanark World Heritage Site)
There’s plenty more events also to get up close and personal with history ….
Don't miss Out!
History Scotland magazine is producing a special guide to the Year of History, Heritage & Archaeology 2017. The supplement will be given away free with every copy of History Scotland and Family Tree magazine in the March/April issues.
And…. There’s the launch of the first ever Heritage Awareness Day, coming up on the 6th of October to help all people of all ages to engage with their history. Schools and communities are being asked to hold their own history themed events to raise money for a local cause or charity. This could be a day where you go to work or school dressed as your favourite character from Scottish history, organise a history quiz, or create a historic mascot.
Visit Stirling Castle to delve into our rich history with the virtual reality headsets, have a go at stone masonry and try your hand at archaeology.
The Rock of Ages at Dumbarton Castle
Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 June, 12-4pm
Set in the shadow of Dumbarton rock, explore 1,500 years of history and relive the centuries. Hear the stories of battles won and lost and learn what life was like through the ages.
Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace
Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 July, 12.30-4.30pm
An action packed weekend with dazzling displays in foot, archery and horsemanship. Cheer on your favourite competitor and watch in awe as the spectacle of one of the first extreme sports in history, jousting, is recreated.
Spectacular Jousting at Caerlaverock Castle
Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 July, 12-4pm
Hear the thunder of hooves and clashing of lances at the Spectacular Jousting at Caerlaverock Castle. Watch noble knights battle it out to be crowned champion and much more. Wander through the medieval encampment and join in the fun of the supporting programme.
Amazing Ages! At Fort George
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 August, 12-4pm
Watch as hundreds of performers take to the mighty fort to showcase our past. Try your hand at traditional skills, meet the archaeologists and find out about the fascinating finds. And don’t miss the traditional music, a perfect way to bring Scottish culture to life.
Siege on the Forth at Blackness Castle
Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 September, 12-4pm
Tucked away in the inner Forth the castle has been home to royalty, prisoners and even naval ammunition. Join the rich history of the ship that never sailed and witness combat display and living history camps.
The full events programme for 2017 is available at: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on
Enjoy the months ahead and celebrate Scotland’s inspiring and captivating historic environment – they attract the visitors so be sure to explore the hidden gems in your home country!
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