NTS extends its immersive schools programme to Angus
The House of Dun is one of three properties in the North each chosen by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) to deliver its flagship educational programme, Timesliders.
NTS has pledged delivery in the wider region by 2028, including the extension of an access fund to support pupils who face barriers to taking part.
The other participating properties are Castle Fraser and Drum Castle in Aberdeenshire.
The conservation charity’s Chief Executive Phil Long and President Jackie Bird visited Drum Castle, to experience Timesliders alongside pupils from Greyhope School and Community Hub in Aberdeen who are participating through the access fund.
Since the Timesliders programme was launched at Drum Castle in 2025, more than 1,150 pupils from 22 schools have engaged with the castle’s history though classroom activities, interactive storytelling, outdoor learning and collaborative puzzle-solving.
The programme has been designed to complement the school curriculum, and free family day events have given pupils the opportunity to return to the castle with friends and family.
Timesliders is a finalist in the 2026 Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards in the Innovation category, the winners of which will be announced in September. The 2025-26 programme ran between April – June 2026 and was fully booked, and the NTS is now preparing to open access to the programme to schools and educators across the wider North East region.
The properties have been selected for their potential to open access to the widest range of primary pupils, and to deliver new and unique experiences connecting learners to Scottish history.
Sarah Cowie, head of learning, said: “The positive response we’ve had for Timesliders has demonstrated a great appetite for a diversified offering and wider access.
“It was important for us to develop a new hub for learning out-with the central belt, to enhance and broaden our impact on the school audience in the North-East region.
“Our overall ambition is to reach every primary-age child in Scotland on an annual basis with our learning programmes, and this expansion of the Timesliders project is a vital step towards achieving that goal.
“We look forward to applying what we’ve learned to House of Dun, Castle Fraser and other Trust places as they join the Timesliders programme.”
The programme’s access fund has already assisted close encounters with heritage that would otherwise be out of reach for some pupils, including those from areas of high deprivation or with additional support needs.
Jackie Bird MBE, NTS president, said: “The enthusiasm among the pupils is palpable; it’s wonderful to see them so engaged with history and heritage, especially stories that are part of the fabric of their local area. It doesn’t stop there – the programme also encourages an awareness of sustainability and conservation goals within the local environment and shows pupils how they can collaborate and contribute to these.”
For more information, visit the Timesliders page on the NTS website.