YOUNG people in Helensburgh will be able to get entry to more than 600 historic places across Scotland for just £1 this summer.
The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and Historic Houses are offering discounted entry to young people in the hope of unlocking a new passion for Scotland’s history.
The scheme includes Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Hill House in Helensburgh, and Geilston Garden in Cardross - both of them owned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).
It also includes Dumbarton Castle, which is run by Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
The scheme covers other ticketed HES and NTS properties across the country, as well as selected attractions which are independently-owned but are part of the 'Historic Houses' co-operative.
Among the Historic Houses taking part in the scheme is Inveraray Castle in Argyll.
Originally introduced in 2018, the initiative has seen young people across the country save hundreds of thousands of pounds in entry fees to enjoy and explore Scotland’s rich heritage.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the £1 entry initiative, a young person must hold their own Young Scot National Entitlement Card.
It's one of a range of discounts available to holders of the card, for which all young people aged 11-26 living in Scotland can apply if they don't already have one.
The card can also be used to get free bus travel (for those aged under 23), and discounted train travel (for those aged 16-18).
If you're not already a Young Scot Entitlement Card holder, find out more at young.scot/argyll-and-bute.
Philip Long OBE, chief executive of the National Trust for Scotland, said: “As part of our charity’s vision to deliver nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, our objective is to enable a greater number of people and communities to access our properties to enjoy all they have to offer.
"With this in mind and with the current cost of living crisis, our charity wants to make sure our places are still accessible to young people, as we know how important it is that they’re given the opportunity to engage with Scotland’s natural and built heritage."
Kirsten Urquhart, chief executive of Young Scot, commented: “Supporting young people to visit remarkable historical sites using their Young Scot National Entitlement Card is a brilliant way to create opportunities so they can access positive experiences – and explore Scotland.
"We are therefore delighted to continue our partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, and Historic Houses.
"As young people navigate the impact of the cost crisis, initiatives such as £1 entry to historical sites and free bus travel for under 22s are integral to ensuring young people continue to live well, thrive, and have fun.”
Alex Paterson, chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland, said: “History is not only about the past. It is also a vital part of our daily lives today.
"As an organisation, our vision is ‘Heritage for All’, and widening opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with Scotland’s world renowned historic environment.
“We know how difficult things are for people just now and engaging with heritage has lots of benefits including well-being.
"We’re therefore really pleased to work with partners to provide significantly discounted access to many of our sites and attractions – including Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, and hope as many young people as possible take the opportunity to experience Scotland’s rich and diverse heritage.”
Find out more about the local attractions:
Hill House, Helensburgh (NTS website)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here