Some of Scotland’s best known historic sites are to share in a £12 million investment.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has unveiled an investment plan which runs until 2021/22 and sets out proposals to enhance the condition of sites and improve the experience for visitors.
Also published is an asset management plan which outlines the body’s approach to caring for over 300 properties and collections.
Alex Paterson, chief executive of HES, said: “These are ambitious plans which will set new standards for the care of our properties and provide world class visitor attractions with outstanding visitor experiences.
“We’re building on the success of recent years which have seen record numbers of visitors to many of Scotland’s historic sites.
“We’ve already effectively started our investment programme, with many projects already underway across the country and are in a strong position to deliver on the identified priorities designed to help bring social, economic and environmental benefits for Scotland.”
Overall 20 sites across its estate have been earmarked for investment.
They include enhancements to amenities at Edinburgh Castle, repair work on the spire at Glasgow Cathedral and an augmented reality app for Caerlavarock Castle.
Doune Castle in Perthshire, which doubled as Castle Leoch in TV series Outlander, will also be enhanced with external lighting and an exhibition in its vaults.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, said: “I am now pleased to see this plan for investment in our historic environment, and the infrastructure supporting Historic Environment Scotland’s wider visitor offer, which offers such a strong return for our economy, directly generating £528 million in 2017 and supporting an estimated 15,300 full time jobs in Scotland.”