More than 200 Historic Environment Scotland sites will offer ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ drone flights for the public?

The childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, Stirling Fortress, is one of over 200 sites across Scotland introducing a pioneering “request to fly” platform, empowering thousands of drone pilots to undertake once-in-a-lifetime flights from some of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

Until recently, drone operators were required to submit a request for takeoff and landing permission at each of Historic Environment Scotland’s properties, including Edinburgh Castle, Blackness Castle, and Doune Castle, all accessible through the Historic Environment Scotland website.

As drone technology has become increasingly accessible and affordable, the demand for permission to fly at popular historic sites in Historic Environment Scotland’s care has skyrocketed.

Through Altitude Angel’s innovative platform, drone pilots can now submit requests to fly over several iconic castles, cathedrals, and stately homes using either the UK’s top-rated drone flight planning app, Drone Help, or directly through the system. Scotland’s Historic Settings can then approve, decline, or offer alternative flight options, contingent upon the venue, its operational hours, and events taking place on-site.

The functions for the primary tranche of websites, including Tantallon Fortress, Caerlaverock Fortress, and Huntly Fortress, will be operational once additional websites from forthcoming phases come online.

According to Paul Spence, Historic Setting Scotland’s Senior Filming and Pictures Supervisor, “The ability to seamlessly integrate drone usage across our properties offers filmmakers an unprecedented ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to capture historic and iconic sites in a unique way, which we’re thrilled to be pioneering.” Through this unique opportunity for drone pilots to film at our sites, we’re able to safeguard the traditional visitor experience while allowing enthusiasts to capture fresh perspectives of Scotland’s iconic heritage attractions?

Drone filming offers a revolutionary approach to experience and capture our online platforms from an entirely fresh viewpoint, unlocking innovative storytelling opportunities. As revealed from above, it becomes strikingly evident just how much craftsmanship has gone into crafting these exceptional properties, and what stunning beauty some of their forms and designs possess within our care.

“Marking a significant milestone for both Altitude Angel and the UK drone community, Chris Forster, Chief Working Officer at Altitude Angel, said: ‘The approval of drone flights at iconic sites like Stirling and Edinburgh Castles, as well as various venues across Scotland, is a major achievement.'”

Scotland boasts an impressive array of world-renowned buildings and landscapes. Being able to capture these iconic sites on film, with the cooperation of those entrusted with their care, at a convenient time and from a vantage point that benefits all, is something we are intensely proud to have facilitated.