National Lottery and National Trust for Scotland free entry

From Saturday, March 9 until Sunday, March 17, adults who go to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Ayr and to Culzean Castle will be able to visit free of charge through the National Lottery Open Week initiative.

The event will see a variety of National Trust for Scotland venues across the country offer discounts and offers to the public.

Describing the attractions of Culzean, the Lottery Good Causes website states: "At the core of a rambling 260-acre estate, once home to the Kennedy family, is the spectacular clifftop castle perched on sea cliffs atop sandy beaches and smugglers’ caves.

"The castle was designed by Robert Adam and built between 1777 and 1792 to replace an ancient stone tower house.

Visitors can gain free entry to Culzean Castle with proof of purchase of a National Lottery ticket (Image: Gordon Angus Taylor/South Ayrshire On Camera)

"The Eisenhower Suite was presented to the President and former Allied Supreme Commander as his holiday home during his lifetime.

"The country park presents a perfect day out for the whole family."

Turning to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, the website adds: "Scotland’s national bard was born in a humble cottage in Alloway in 1759 and the building is now part of a trail that takes in the historic Alloway Kirkyard (where Tam O’Shanter spied the gyrating, cutty sark-wearing witch), the Brig O’Doon and the Birthplace Museum.

"Contained inside this is an enormous collection of objects associated with Burns, as well as items telling the story of how, from Venezuela to Vladivostok, Burns became a poet hero after his death. There are many fun, interactive exhibits to keep even the youngest Burns fan happy."

All you need to do to gain free entry is provide proof of purchase of a National Lottery ticket at your chosen venue.

Find out more and see the full list of participants at lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/open-week.