Scotland Explorer Pass ??

It's entirely possible that I did it "wrong", however I was under the impression that you needed to visit the ticket windows with your pass so it could be validated there and then as you entered, the ticket would get you in. None of the people at the ticket windows told me I was allowed to just walk in with my pass. That said, there may be a fast track method of getting into Edinburgh Castle with a pass from what I read on the HS website, but it's the only property mentioned.

If I'm incorrect I'm sure someone will be along to clear it up :)

Bev -

As an Historic Scotland member I still queued up to get tickets to the sites, however the queues were not at all long. I never waited more than 4 or 5 minutes. The primary savings you get with the passes is monetary (and well worth it if you are going to enough sites) from what I can tell.

Please be aware that time of day/year (I visted in mid-May of last year) may mean your milage will vary but I never waited long - even at Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart Castles which were the busiest ones I visited.

Happy travels!

Eric

Thanks...But now I am confused. I thought that once you purchased the pass you did not need to get tickets for the sites that you showed the pass and were allowed entrance. Is that correct or am I mistaken?

Thanks
Bev

Here is the answer:

At Edinburgh Castle you do not have to queue for a ticket as there is a barcode on the pass which gives you admission. All holders of Explorer Passes should therefore go to the Access Control point and be scanned in. At Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle there is usually a fast track queue for Explorer Pass holders, but this depends on the day. At all of our other sites pass holders should show their pass on arrival at the site, which will usually involve waiting in the ticket queue, but very few of the smaller sites are so busy that a long wait would be involved.

In regards to members, the cards should be shown on arrival to the Stewards who will process the entry at the till. Again at Stirling and Urquhart there is fast track entry, but this depends on the day – during the peak summer season it may not always be possible. At Edinburgh Castle Members should go to Visitor Information (on the right above the Ticket Office) and be issued with a ticket to be scanned in, but again this bypasses the Ticket Office queues.

I hope that this information helps, please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

I emailed Historic Scotland. ; )

Pam