TO celebrate the Year of Young People 2018, historic sites in the Scottish Borders are lowering their drawbridges and opening their gates to young people for an admission of only one pound.

Historic Environment Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland and the Historic Houses Association are working with Young Scot to offer a historically low discount to young people who want to explore over 100 breathtaking paid for historic sites across Scotland.

As well as Bowhill House, Thirlestane Castle, Harmony Garden and Priorwood Garden, the reduced entrance charge will also be available at Robert Smail’s Printing Works, Dryburgh Abbey, Melrose Abbey and Jedburgh Abbey.

There are over 670,000 Young Scot cardholders in Scotland - over two-thirds of all eligible - and the card is available for free to anyone living in Scotland aged from 11 up to 26.

To access the discounted entrance charge young people just need to present their card when buying their ticket.

And the discount will run throughout the Year of Young People 2018.

Simon Skinner, chief executive of the National Trust for Scotland, said: “What our organisations have in common is that we are mere custodians – we care for these places so that they can be passed on to and enjoyed by future generations.

"It is therefore vital that we encourage young people to see and experience what will one day become theirs to cherish for the generations that follow them.”

The offer has been created for the Year of Young People 2018, following a recommendation from in the Heritage Blueprint report that visiting historic sites was too expensive for some.

The Heritage Blueprint report was created by a group of young people working with the National Trust for Scotland to help historic sites in Scotland engage with more young Scots.

Mena Kirmani, Heritage Blueprint member, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for young Scots in the Scottish Borders to explore Scotland's history and celebrate the Year of Young People 2018.

"This comes directly from our work on the Heritage Blueprint so it's amazing to see the heritage sector listening to young people and making our recommendations become a reality."

From the last Thursday, the discount was available at over 30 Historic Environment Scotland sites, including Edinburgh Castle, and will roll out at more seasonal properties later in the year.

From March 1 young people can explore 52 enchanting National Trust for Scotland sites such as the picturesque 17th century village of Culross, as seen featured in the popular TV drama Outlander, and Banockburn.

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to offer Young Scot cardholders this fantastic opportunity to explore our historic sites for only £1.

“This year we will be putting young people at the heart of everything we do, celebrating the valuable contribution they already make and creating new opportunities to get involved with Scotland’s historic environment.

“I’d encourage Scotland’s young people to take advantage of this historic offer and go explore the country’s rich and diverse history first-hand - from magnificent Neolithic monuments in Orkney to the beautiful Border Abbeys.”