Historic Scotland


Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is a charitable organization that looks after Scotland's heritage. It cares for over 300 historic sites, looks after thousands of objects and millions of photographs, conducts research into climate change and does so much more.

For anybody who lives in or frequently visits Scotland, including families with children, a Historic Scotland membership offers a cost-effective way to explore the country's rich heritage from world famous castles to prehistoric villages. Think of the financial savings on admission fees next time you visit a Scottish castle.


Benefits Of Membership

  • Free entry to Historic Scotland sites including Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle
  • Free entry to daytime events
  • 20% discount in Historic Scotland shops and 10% discount in the cafés at the sites
  • Membership pack containing cards and guidebooks
  • Discounted Entry to other attractions
  • Free quarterly Member's Magazine

What is Included in the Membership Pack?

Once you join you will receive a welcome pack in the mail which typically contains:

  • Permanent Membership Cards
  • The Member's Handbook: A comprehensive guide listing all the sites included in the membership, complete with maps, opening times and facility details.
  • Car Sticker: A window sticker for your vehicle to display your support for Scottish heritage.

Are you visiting Scotland for a short time only? Consider their Explorer Pass.

The Explorer Pass is valid for 14 consecutive days and gives you free admission to all Historic Scotland sites. This is a perfect way to explore Scotland's fascinating history and to visit grand castles like Edinburgh and Stirling Castle.


Partnership Organisations

1. English Heritage and Cadw

Historic Scotland has a formal partnership with English Heritage which manages sites in England like Stonehenge and Dover Castle and Cadw which manages sites in Wales like Caernarfon Castle.

During your first year as a Historic Scotland member, you are entitled to half-price entry to all English Heritage and Cadw sites. If you renew your Historic Scotland membership for a second consecutive year and beyond, you are upgraded to free entry.

2. Manx National Heritage

This is the national heritage agency for the Isle of Man and Historic Scotland members get free entry to Manx National Heritage sites.

There is often confusion between "Historic Scotland" and the "National Trust for Scotland" (NTS). They are two separate organizations which means that Historic Scotland does not offer reciprocal admission to National Trust properties.

Therefore a Historic Scotland membership does NOT grant free or discounted entry to National Trust properties in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, nor does it grant entry to National Trust for Scotland properties.

Please support the work of Historic Scotland by clicking here.