More than 2,000 years of Scottish history will come to life at Fort George this weekend as one of the country’s biggest historical re-enactment events returns to the mighty fortress near Inverness.
Celebration of the Centuries takes place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, transforming Fort George into a journey through Scotland’s past with historical characters, living history camps, performances and activities for the whole family.
The event is Historic Scotland’s largest re-enactment gathering and gives visitors the chance to move between different periods of history during a single day.
One of this year’s highlights will be the WW1 Equestrian Stunt Show, telling the story of the horses that served during the Great War through horsemanship and dramatic stunt displays.
Elsewhere around the fortress, historical characters will parade through the grounds while visitors can explore living history camps representing different eras of Scotland’s past.
Guided tours of Fort George will run alongside live music, demonstrations and interactive activities designed particularly for younger visitors.
Children will even have the opportunity to fight alongside King Robert the Bruce as part of the Medieval Kids Army, while another corner of the fortress will move forward several centuries with Big Band performances in a 1940s themed area.
Gillian Urquhart, Events Manager at Historic Environment Scotland, said:
“Celebration of the Centuries is one of our most popular summer events and is a wonderful day out for all ages.
“There is so much to see and do, with visitors able to interact with history in a unique and immersive way.
“From fighting alongside King Robert the Bruce in the popular Medieval Kids Army activity to dancing to Big Band performances in the 1940s zone, there’s so many ways to explore Scotland’s fascinating history!”
The setting itself adds another layer to the weekend, with Fort George providing one of Scotland’s most impressive historic backdrops for an event built around bringing the country’s past to life.
Rather than simply looking at history behind glass, visitors will be able to walk through camps, meet characters representing different periods and experience the sights and sounds of centuries of Scottish life.
Celebration of the Centuries runs from 11am until 5pm on both Saturday and Sunday, with all activities included within the normal entrance ticket.
Tickets will be available at Fort George on the day, with walk up visitors welcome throughout the weekend, while advance booking is also available through Historic Environment Scotland.
For more details and to plan your visit, head to historicenvironment.scot/whats-on
