Test Harness | HES Events

A tall grey castle surrounded by temporary fencing, with the entrance way boarded up with scaffolding.

Selected dates until Friday 5 June 2026
Engine Shed
Talks and Seminars
Technical Level: Quite technical
Building Management, Materials, Technical Conservation, Architecture
Enthusiast, Professional
HES, Engine Shed, Learn
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Introduction to Building Conservation

Through a series of lectures and site visits over five days, explore the conservation of the Scottish built environment and traditional building skills.

A view of sedimentary rock with some flora around it

On until Sunday 14 June 2026
Holyrood Park
Walks and Guided Tours
Technical Level:
Nature, Ranger Service, Landscape
HES
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Access to Hutton's Section and Rock

See up close the rock formations that inspired James Hutton to re-think the formation of the Earth and kickstart the science of geology!

A group of adults walking on a hill on a bright day with a Ranger leading the tour

Selected dates until Saturday 29 August 2026
Holyrood Park
Walks and Guided Tours
Technical Level:
Ranger Service
HES
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Arthur's Evening Walk

Join a Ranger on a moderate guided walk to learn about Holyrood Park's geology, wildlife, and its rich heritage of archaeology and history.

A choir outdoors singing with lots of greenery behind them

Saturday 6 June 2026
Stirling Castle
Theatre and Music
Technical Level:
Music, Theatre, Highlights
HES
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Choral Connections

Come and enjoy beautiful choral music as Stirling Gaelic Choir welcome their friends of the Söngfjelagið choir from Iceland

General view of the exterior of Tantallon Castle and Bass Rock

Monday 8 June 2026
Tantallon Castle
Workshops & Activities
Technical Level:
Nature
HES
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Rangers on Safari (Tantallon Castle)

Drop-in activities and wildlife watching, with short expert-led guided walks

A costumed performer in chain mail holding a shield looking stern

Multiple venues
Living History
Technical Level:
HES
Feature weight: 0

During your visit look out for our living history characters They will be on hand to tell you more about the site, the character and time period they are portraying, as well as posing for photos – although they may be a bit confused by your camera!

Selected dates until Tuesday 29 September 2026
Holyrood Park
Walks and Guided Tours
Technical Level:
Nature, Ranger Service, Landscape
HES
Feature weight: 0

Arthur's Secrets

A Ranger led walk of Holyrood Park

Exterior view of a splendid baroque mansion bathed in blue sky

Selected dates until Sunday 27 September 2026
Duff House
Exhibition
Technical Level:
Art and design
HES
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Work In Focus

A painting by the renowned English Artist, Stanley Spencer, Christ delivered to the people has been selected as this year's "Work in Focus" at Duff House

Beautiful exterior view of an historic abbey with surrounded with grass, trees and gravestones

Saturday 13 June 2026
Melrose Abbey
Free Weekend/Open Days
Technical Level:
HES
Feature weight: 0

Time Travellers Fun Day

A family friendly heritage event celebrating both roman and medieval history at Melrose Abbey, the abbey and abbey house gardens with the Borders Book Festival.