Educational tours of the mediaeval Huntingtower Castle near Perth have been awarded a national education prize.

The Sandford Award recognises heritage sites that have achieved excellence in heritage education through work with schools.

Sue Mitchell, Historic Scotland’s head of education, said: “We give children a taste of what life was like at the castle and schools can choose from three different interactive tours of the castle, which involve costumed role play, investigating evidence and artefact handling.”

The programme has been developed to support Curriculum for Excellence in Scottish schools. “We are delighted by how popular it has been with schools in Perthshire and further afield,” Ms Mitchell said.

The award was presented to Historic Scotland staff by broadcaster and chairman of the Heritage Alliance Loyd Grossman at a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament on last week.

www.historic-scotland.gov.uk.