Historic Scotland has launched the latest programme of events as part of its strategy to increase the number of visits to the country's heritage attractions.

The range from spectacular celebrations of Renaissance courtly life, battle re-enactments and rousing jousting, to more intimate period playlets, musical performances, and living history cameos.

Castles, palaces and abbeys throughout Scotland will aim to transport guests back to historic times with hundreds of costumed performers and re-enactors portraying characters from the Iron Age to WWI servicemen.

Gillian Urquhart of Historic Scotland's Events Unit, said: "Our programme features everything from drama to comedy, music and dance, hands-on activities, guided walks, and storytelling.