YOUNG people can get into some of the best historic sites in Ayrshire and Arran this year for just £1.

To celebrate the Year of Young People 2018, castles lowering their drawbridges and parks are opening their gates for just a quid.

Historic Environment Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland and the Historic Houses Association are working with Young Scot to offer a historically low discount to young people who want to explore over 100 breathtaking paid for historic sites across Scotland.

There are over 670,000 Young Scot cardholders in Scotland - over two-thirds of all young Scots - and the card is available for free to all young people living in Scotland aged 11-26.

To access the discount young people just need to present their card when buying their ticket.

The discount will run throughout the Year of Young People 2018.

Throughout this partnership the heritage sector will engage young people and encourage them to learn, explore and experience more of Scotland’s history.

The offer has been created for the Year of Young People 2018, following a recommendation from in the Heritage Blueprint report that visiting historic sites was too expensive for some young people.

The Heritage Blueprint report was created by a group of young people working with the National Trust for Scotland to help historic sites in Scotland engage with more young Scots.

The offer will be available at the following sites in Ayrshire and Arran: · Robert Burns Birthplace and Museum Alloway · Batchelors’ Club · Scouter Johnnie’s Cottage · Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park · Culzean Castle & Country Park. 

Mena Kirmani, Heritage Blueprint member, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for young Scots in Ayrshire and Arran to explore Scotland’s history and celebrate the Year of Young People 2018. This comes directly from our work on the Heritage Blueprint so it’s amazing to see the heritage sector listening to young people and making our recommendations become a reality.”

From February 2018, Historic Environment Scotland and Historic Houses Association will also be offering the Young Scot discount. From February 1, the discount will be available at over 30 Historic Environment Scotland sites including one of Scotland’s most iconic visitor attractions, Edinburgh Castle, and will roll out at more seasonal properties later in the year. These include the picturesque 17th century village of Culross, as seen featured in the popular TV drama Outlander and Banockburn, where the infamous, brutal battle was won by Robert the Bruce in 1314.