Writer Ian Rankin has offered his services as a 'tour guide' at Edinburgh castle, as stars lend their voices to a new audio guide.
The Rebus author is joining other leading lights of film, TV and literature for the Historic Environment Scotland project at the iconic attraction.
Scottish pop sensation The Proclaimers are part of the cast alongside four-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan, Outlander’s Andrew Gower and Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin.
Commenting on the launch, Ian said: “For many people around the globe, Edinburgh Castle IS Edinburgh. It is symbolic of the city’s staying power and majesty and remains a focus of local and national pride.
“I first visited as a child. Fifty years on, I still walk its slopes with a sense of awe. It is a privilege to play a small part in its modern-day story.”
The celebrity cast is joined by a host of experts and specialists, offering visitors first-person accounts of important events from the castle’s rich history.
The audio guide also includes readings of poetry, prose and biography, with some verses in Gaelic, medieval Scots and Old Welsh that go back 1400 years into the castle’s past.
Two pieces of music from the 13th and 18th centuries were recorded specially for the project.
The project is believed to be the first of its kind to tell both historic and contemporary stories about a heritage site through such a wide range of different voices.
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES, said “Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s top paid-for visitor attraction, and we are committed to investing in the site and finding new and inventive ways of engaging a wide range of people with its history.
“We’re delighted that a host of talented figures – including our own staff – have been involved in this project and contributed to the ongoing legacy of the castle in such a unique way.
“This new audio guide will allow visitors to connect more closely with the living history of the castle and gain new insights into the story of Scotland’s greatest fortress.”
The audio guide is available, priced £3.50 for an adult, £2.50 for concession and £1.50 for a child.
