YOUNGSTERS with an interest in history and art are being encouraged to head along to Selkirk's Bowhill House and Country Estate this summer.

Arranged to celebrate the Year of Young People, the activities will be bringing the estate’s history some incredible wildlife and scenery and some great opportunities for young people across Scotland.

Bowhill House has teamed up with the Historic Houses Association and Young Scot to let Young Scot card holders enter for a fraction of the entry fee, at £1.

The scheme means that members can visit the historic attraction and its grand rooms, and explore the vast estate.

The visitor attraction is set to fire up a community bursary initiative in search of youth organisations to support, more details are to be confirmed later this month.

A new programme – “Bowhill for Bairns” will be launching in the summer and will give youngsters an entertaining look inside the house with fun activities including designing hand painted Chinese wallpaper in homage to the intricately decorated walls found within the property.

The estate’s Ranger team and Hawick High School are also working closely together on teambuilding events for S1 and S6 pupils to promote life skills, health and wellbeing, communication and problem solving.

Sarah Richardson, visitor services and marketing manager at Bowhill House said: “The rolling countryside and rich heritage of Bowhill has so much to offer our young generation.

“From delving into the history of the magnificent House to exploring the great outdoors with our superb Ranger team, we’re keen to inspire bright young minds, encourage them to come to Bowhill and explore, and potentially consider a career in the industry.

“We look forward to welcoming lots of youngsters throughout the year and doing what we can to nourish their imaginations.”

For more information on Bowhill, visit www.bowhillhouse.co.uk