Can you save a penny while on holiday in Scotland?

Do you love historic architecture and exploring crumbling old ruins, but would like money-saving ideas on seeing the country’s top visitor attractions?

While on holiday in Scotland, you will find many historical properties and gardens to enjoy. A large number of these are managed by Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland. Both organisations do a great job at preserving our Scottish heritage while opening it up to the public. Some properties are owned by individuals or trusts such as the award winning Eilean Donan Castle on the road to the isles, and Delgatie Castle in Turriff, Aberdeenshire.

It can be expensive visiting castles, historical properties, and gardens, and there are many ways to save on the admission costs. If you live outside the UK (non-UK resident), The Great British Heritage Pass offers admission to both Historic Scotland sites & National Trust properties while costing an individual about £40.00 for a 4 day pass. You can also buy an Explorer Pass with Historic Scotland which costs £16.80 for 3 days (over 5 day period).

The best value for money, and a way to support these historical treasures, is to purchase a yearly membership. Historic Scotland charges £74.00 for an annual family membership (2 adults plus children) which allows the entire family into all their sites for the next 12 months. While the National Trust for Scotland’s annual family membership is £76.00.

And while you are in the saving mode, be sure the check out the EmbraceScotland’s Special Offers and Late Availability pages to save on self-catering holiday accommodation too.

Coast Festival of the Visual Arts: 28 May to 30 May 2010

COAST Festival of the Visual Arts is an annual weekend of events that takes place in the beautiful Banffshire Coastal towns of Banff & Macduff.

Held over 3 days, from Friday 28th May to Sunday 30th this year, there will be more than 50 events across the two towns of Banff and Macduff.

In 2010 COAST is proud to welcome back two artists with local links who have made a particular impact on the fine and applied art worlds. Kate Downie RSA will be exhibiting in Duff House her paintings and drawings created over two years, journeying the coastline of Scotland, inspired by other famous Scottish artists. Donna Wilson will be exhibiting her internationally renowned textiles and knitted wares, but also creating a peice specifically for Coast, a The Rainbow Maze, in Banff Castle grounds. Thousands of metres of coloured yarn wound round posts to create a brilliant slice of colour over Banff Bay.

In addition to fantastic exhibitions, COAST also includes a selection of participatory art workshops, public art installations, film screenings and a Local Food Fair in its programme.... there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

Islay Festival of Malt and Music: 21 May to 30 May 2010

The Islay Festival, Feis Ile has been running since the mid 1980's. We are dedicated to promoting Gaelic and Scottish culture and music to locals and visitors alike.

The Festival is held in the last week of May every year, with ceilidhs, dances, recitals, children's workshops; there is something for everyone.

For the last number of years all of the Islay distilleries have held open days throughout the week of the festival, adding to the mix!

Come along and enjoy a week long celebration of music and all that Islay has to offer.

Perth Festival of Arts: 19 May to 30 May 2010

2010 is shaping up to be a special year for Perth Festival of the Arts. It has launched its 39th programme to be staged in Perth Concert Hall, Perth Theatre and St John’s Kirk from the 19th to 30th May. The programme includes three orchestral concerts, three operas, rock concerts, jazz, comedy and art exhibitions.

Some of the artists include Don McLean, Sharleen Spiteri, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Rich, Hall, Will Self, Aison Balsom, The Halle Orchestra, Barbara Bonney, The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, English Touring Opera "Don Pasquale", "The Marriage of Figaro" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream", Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, Animal Farm and so much more!