During November, soldiers from history are marching back to Stirling Castle to talk about the past.

The costumed performers are portraying what life was like for troops billeted at the Castle in 1858 and 1916.

On Saturdays, Sergeant MacDonald of the Black Watch recalls Victorian times when soldiers, along with their wives and children, lived within its walls.

Each Sunday, a member of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders tells visitors about the training he and his comrades are undergoing before heading for the trenches to fight in World War I.

Nicola Holland, Historic Scotland’s interpretation manager, said: “This year is the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in which many Scottish soldiers lost their lives.

“In 1916, there were around 800 soldiers based at Stirling Castle and some 12,000 in camps nearby being trained to go to the front.

“This is a chance to commemorate their bravery and to let visitors find out about the significant role the castle played in one of the most important and terrible battles ever fought.

There is also the chance to meet a soldier from the mid 19th century and talk about what it was like to be among the soldiers and their families who lived at the castle.”

Performances take place at 11.45am, 12.45pm, 2.45pm and 3.45pm every weekend in November and are included in the standard ticket price.