Three of Scotland’s most iconic castles have teamed up together to offer a special ‘treasure ticket’ for this summer.
Both Scone Palace and Blair Castle in Perthshire, along with nearby Glamis Castle, will be offering visitors the tri-ticket discount this summer, allowing tourists to visit all three during the season.
The three castles are all within an hour’s drive of each other, and it is hoped the new ‘treasure ticket’ will allow visitors to explore rural Scotland and learn more about some of the influential places that have shaped the country’s history.
Scone Palace is the real-life spot where Robert the Bruce was crowned, and the palace itself dates back to the 12th century.
In total, 42 Scottish monarchs were crowned at Scone Palace, which sits overlooking the River Tay.
In more recent times, Scone Palace has featured in a number of national television productions, such as ‘BBC Antiques Roadshow’, ‘The Great British Bake Off’, and ‘Mary Berry’s Country House Secrets’.
Margo Baird, marketing manager at Scone Palace, said: “The ‘treasure ticket’ provides access to three of the finest, privately owned Scottish houses.
“Each of these stunning properties also enjoys wonderful gardens where visitors can take in the fresh country air and enjoy nature at its best.
“The ticket offers excellent value for money for overseas tourists and staycationers alike.”
Similarly, Blair Castle in Blair Atholl is one of the last working castles in Scotland.
It featured in season two of the ITV drama ‘Victoria’, based on the true royal ties with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who fell in love with Highland Perthshire and became regular visitors.
The castle has also recently featured in ‘James Martin’s Great British Adventure’ on the BBC, where he cooked venison and beetroot with blackberries in the estate’s walled garden with Michelin-star chef Tom Kitchin.
Julia Sims, head of sales and marketing at Blair Castle, also said: “Whether you’re a history buff, simply want to find out more about our nation’s past, or perhaps follow the backdrops to the recent television action, the ‘treasure ticket’ provides a great opportunity to visit three of the most influential properties in Scottish history.
“The colourful heritage of each historic home has something new and enchanting to bring to the table.
“We are extremely lucky to be surrounded by such beauty and have access to such a rich tapestry of history and hope this new offering will encourage many more tourists to visit.”
And Glamis Castle, which sits just outside the Perthshire border, is the childhood home of the Queen and Princess Margaret.
Originally built in the 13th century, Glamis was the ancestral seat to the earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne and the inspiration for Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’.
The ‘treasure ticket’ starts at £35 for adults and £21 for children, and there are a range of family packages available, and they can be purchased at any of the three historic venues.
