#HeritageWeek at Linlithgow Palace: Inspiring the Next Generation of Heritage Champions

​#HeritageWeek saw two fantastic days unfold at Linlithgow Palace in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), where over 150 S2 pupils from across West Lothian took part in a unique, hands-on learning experience that brought Scotland’s rich history to life.
Held on the 28th and 29th of October, the event welcomed students from eight local schools:

• Deans Community High School
• Inveralmond Community High School
• Linlithgow Academy
• St Kentigern’s Academy
• St Margaret’s Academy
• West Calder High School
• Winchburgh Academy
• Cedarbank School

 
Organised and hosted by HES, with support from Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), the event took place across the historic Burgh Halls and Linlithgow Palace. Throughout each day, students rotated through four interactive workshops designed to spark curiosity and showcase the exciting career opportunities within the heritage sector:

• Defending Scotland’s Heritage – Students explored how experts protect and conserve historic sites.
• Careers & Skills workshop – Pupils learned about the skills needed to be successful in the heritage sector.
• Rangers – They discovered the role of environmental stewardship in maintaining heritage landscapes.
• Costumed Performance – Participants experienced history through dramatic storytelling and reenactment.

 
The turnout was fantastic, and feedback from both teachers and pupils was overwhelmingly positive. All participating schools expressed enthusiasm about returning next year, highlighting the event’s success in inspiring young minds and connecting them with Scotland’s cultural legacy.
HES and DYW were proud to continue this partnership, helping students explore meaningful careers while celebrating the heritage that makes Scotland unique.