Fifers and visitors can enjoy visit some of the Kingdom’s historic sites at reduced prices this summer.
A number of the organisations’ Fife locations are among those taking part in their discount schemes.
The National Trust for Scotland is rolling out a programme of offers and events again this year, and participating in the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme to help make days out more affordable.
Last year in July and August the trust welcomed more than 1.5 million people to all its places across Scotland – 378,000 of whom were members of paying guests at ticketed locations. This was the highest number of paying visitors since a record year of 400,000 in 2019.
The scheme incorporates a temporary 15 per cent VAT reduction on all admission and event prices from Thursday, June 25 until Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The same temporary VAT reduction also applies to meals specifically designated for children in Trust operated cafes.
In addition to the usual offerings across the trust’s places, there are some special events taking place for families over the summer months.
Playful Summer, a series of interactive play zones for children, is being introduced to Hill of Tarvit, near Cupar.
Outdoor theatre events are also taking place at venues across the country, including The Jungle Book being performed at Falkland Palace.
Stuart Maxwell, regional director for Edinburgh and East at NTS, said: “Last year was one of the busiest summers in our history and we’re hoping to build on this success again in 2026 with a great programme happening right across the country.
“We’re also pleased to be participating in the Great British Summer Savings scheme. While trust membership remains the best value for our repeat visitors who receive free admission to our places, all other paying guests will have a 15 per cent VAT reduction on admissions.”
The scheme does not apply to tickets purchased before June 25.
Mr Maxwell added: “We hope that by passing on the Government’s VAT reduction to our visitors and continuing to provide a world-class experience at our places with a range of activities and events, we will share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage with more people than ever before this summer.
Meanwhile, visitors to some Historic Environment Scotland sites are being offered a 20 per cent discount on admission tickets as part of the organisation’s Historic Summer campaign.
The offer, open to UK residents from Friday, June 26 to Thursday, September 1, 2026, aims to encourage people and families to visit their local historic sites and venture further afield to explore participating locations across the country.
In Fife, those locations taking part in the offer include St Andrews Castle and Aberdour Castle.
St Andrews Castle took centre stage during many moments leading up to the Protestant Reformation in Scotland. One of its most dramatic incidents was the great siege of 1546-7, which resulted in church reformer John Knox and others being captured and forced to work as French galley slaves.
Olivia Devine, senior marketing manager at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Summer is a wonderful time to visit our sites across Scotland, and we want as many people to enjoy them as possible.
“We hope the offer will encourage people to rediscover their local landmarks or travel somewhere they haven’t been before.
“We have such rich history at our fingertips in Scotland, and many of our sites can be found within some of the most beautiful landscapes the country has to offer.
“Historic Summer will allow people and families to make new memories in wonderful places.”
For more information about the National Trust for Scotland, visit www.nts.org.uk.
Historic Environment Scotland’s Historic Summer tickets are limited and must be booked online at historicsummer.scot Terms and conditions apply.
