More than 40 of Scotland's seasonal heritage sites will begin welcoming visitors again from Wednesday 1 April, as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) launches its spring/summer season.

The programme spans the country, from the evocative ruins of Kildrummy Castle in Aberdeenshire, which played a role in the Wars of Scottish Independence, to Seton Collegiate Church, raided during the reign of Henry VIII, and Lochleven Castle, where Mary, Queen of Scots was once imprisoned before her escape. Highlights also include Inchcolm Abbey, the island priory associated with Alexander I.

Roger Curtis, Interim Director of Operations at HES, said: "It's always exciting to welcome visitors to our wonderful seasonal historic sites over the spring and summer months. Whether revisiting a favourite spot or experiencing a new place for the first time, warmer weather offers a fantastic opportunity to get outside and explore Scotland’s historic environment.

Visitors will also find increased access at several locations following essential conservation work. Cardoness Castle will offer greater access to its grounds and visitor centre, while Melrose Abbey and Hailes Castle will once again open interiors this season (with some restrictions at Melrose). Sweetheart Abbey is also providing more access.

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Family-friendly activities are planned across the Easter Weekend, including Lambs on the Loose! The Easter Trail and Living History performances.

Entry to sites and daytime events is free for Historic Scotland members. Members can also collect a seven-part set of History Hunt Cards about different site types, with a full set redeemable for an exclusive pin badge.

Seasonal sites reopening from 1 April include: Balvenie Castle; Biggar Gasworks Museum; Bishop's and Earl's Palaces (minor restrictions at Earl's Palace); Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace; Broch of Gurness; Burleigh Castle; Cairnpapple Hill; Cambuskenneth Abbey (access to grounds and tower ground floor; dogs must be kept on a lead due to grazing farm animals nearby); Castle Campbell; Claypotts Castle (select dates only); Corgarff Castle; Crossraguel Abbey (cloister and east end of nave will remain closed); Dundrennan Abbey (some restrictions in graveyard); Edzell Castle and Garden; Elcho Castle; Glenluce Abbey (access to grounds, museum and visitor centre); Hackness Martello Tower and Battery; Hermitage Castle; Inchcolm Abbey; Inchmahome Priory (some restrictions in nave and chapter house); Innerpeffray Chapel; Kildrummy Castle; Kinneil House; Lochleven Castle; MacLellan’s Castle (access to majority of the castle’s ground floor, grounds and shop); Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum; New Abbey Corn Mill; Newark Castle; Ravenscraig Castle; Seton Collegiate Church; Skipness Castle and Chapel; Smailholm Tower; Spynie Palace; St Serf’s Church and Dupplin Cross; St Vigeans Stones and Museum; Stanley Mills; Threave Castle (access to grounds only); Tolquhon Castle; Torphichen Preceptory; Trinity House; Tullibardine Chapel; and Whithorn Priory and Museum.