Scotland's world heritage site celebration planned

Scotland's five world heritage sites are to link up in a series of interactive events exploring the theme of cultural identity.

The events will be part of the World Heritage Day celebrations on 18 April.

Edinburgh Old and New Town, New Lanark, Heart of Neolithic Orkney, The Antonine Wall and St Kilda will all participate.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said it was a "fantastic opportunity" for people to celebrate Scotland's "rich heritage and cultural diversity".

The project is entitled 'Shadows of our Ancestors' and will see special events at each of the five sites.

At the Antonine Wall - in the grounds of Callendar House in Falkirk - a light installation and soundscape will recreate the effect of a Roman encampment.

A "storywalk" along Tarbert's Main Street on the Isle of Harris will display a series of light box and video installations showing images of St Kilda.

Other events will be held in Edinburgh's Old and New Town, New Lanark and at the Heart of Neolithic Orkney site.

Ms Hyslop said: "These events are designed to raise awareness of the importance of these truly valuable and unique sites and to recognise each one's contribution to both their communities and Scotland's story as a whole.

"But there is also a wider issue of recognising the vulnerability of some of these sites and the ongoing dedication required to protect and conserve them for future generations."

The initiative is being run by Historic Scotland in partnership with each of the World Heritage Sites.

The organisation's head of education Sue Mitchell said: "It's very exciting to be involved in this project.

"It provides a fantastic opportunity for people to become involved in their local heritage and help to interpret it in a way that can be enjoyed by both the rest of their community and visitors alike."