A Roman bake-off, a live archaeological dig of St Kilda in Minecraft and a colourful international weaving festival are among events lined up to celebrate Scotland's history next year.

VisitScotland has hailed the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology as an exciting opportunity to relive Scotland’s fascinating past through a range of events and activities, with over one third of visitors drawn to Scotland for its history and culture.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced the first nine events - backed by a £300,000 Signature Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology Events Fund - at Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh, with more to be revealed in the coming weeks.

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Ms Hyslop said: "As well as our history of many well-known stories and famous, indeed some infamous, historical characters, next year will also give us an excellent opportunity to focus on Scotland’s world-renowned archaeology, enticing visitors and locals alike to visit not only our known iconic landmarks with their thousands of years of history, but also our many hidden gems.”

Malcolm Roughead,VisitScotland chief executive, said: "Scotland is the land where great legends were made throughout history, and so it is only apt that we should have such a unique line-up of events and activities for the 2017 Year of History Heritage and Archaeology.

"We know for a fact that visitors come to Scotland in their droves to experience its heritage whether that’s visiting a castle, exploring a battlefield or tracing ancestral roots.

"From World Heritage Sites to ancient monuments, cultural traditions to our myths, stories and legends – the year-long programme will spotlight some of our greatest assets and icons as well as our hidden gems.

"We look forward to delving into Scotland’s past with visitors and locals alike and coming face to face with history, heritage and archaeology across the country.”

Highlights of the programme include a sound and light projection event at New Lanark World Heritage Site to show the mill as it was in the heart of the Industrial Revolution, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney will “Glow in the ArchaeoDark” on World Heritage Day and a unique event in the Outer Hebrides will celebrate the islands’ South Asian history.

The Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting the year with a dedicated programme called Stories, Stones and Bones and the £500,000 fund will be used to encourage people in communities across the country to uncover and celebrate their local history, customs and traditions.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the lead public body for Scotland’s historic environment, will also be carrying out research work, increasing its programme of living history events across the country from Duff House to Edinburgh Castle, and training Scotland’s young people in the provision of traditional skills that will help protect Scotland’s historic buildings now and for the future.

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Alex Paterson, HES chief executive, said: "It’s great to come together today to launch a themed year that is so closely linked with the work of Historic Environment Scotland.