Stirling Castle will be opening its gates for free this weekend following an announcement by Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell. It is part of wider celebrations for the St Andrew’s weekend and the finale for the 2009 Year of Homecoming which will include the opening of 47 Historic Scotland attractions free of charge.

Mr Russell said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to visit one of Historic Scotland’s superb heritage attractions.  Opening these properties for free over the 28th and 29th of November is a wonderful way for us, as Scots, to mark our country’s national day and celebrate the end of a highly successful year of Homecoming.”

And jings crivens help ma boab, Maw, Paw and Granpaw Broon will be among those enjoying the chance for a trip to Stirling Castle. And visitors are invited to come along and meet the team behind The Broons, the much-loved characters from The Sunday Post cartoon strip, in the Great Hall on Sunday between 12pm and 4pm. They can chat to illustrator Peter Davidson, writer David Donaldson, and others linked to this delightful Scottish institution. There will even be entertainment from The Diggers Band, which features in the strip – and the chance for some audience participation on the tambourine.

The event will be a chance to buy the latest Broons books The Broons Book of Gairdenin’ Wisdoms and Maw Broon's Remedies An' Suchlike. The Unicorn Café will be joining in the spirit and selling dishes based on Maw Broon’s Cookbook including clootie dumpling. The castle featured in The Sunday Post strip last weekend, and is due to make another appearance on the day of the Broons’ visit.

For details of all the Historic Scotland properties open for the free weekend in celebration of St Andrew’s Day visit our corporate website or text WEEKEND to 84118 to find the closest free attraction to you