For those who are yet to join the nationwide Historic Scotland Cartoon Caper, this week is the final chance.

Throughout October, as part of the annual Kids Go Free month, children have been hunting high and low for 10 cartoon characters specially designed by Scottish artist Alice Druitt, hidden at Historic Scotland sites.

Spanning from Hunter the prehistoric man to Walter the 19th century working-man, as many periods of history as possible have been included in order to give children a real feel for their nation’s heritage.

Rebecca Hamilton, Marketing and Media Manager at Historic Scotland said: ‘The popularity of the Kids Go Free campaign, now in its third year, is undeniable, but this year Historic Scotland decided to give the youngsters a little extra to get their teeth into. Whether it be under a drawbridge or on top of a cannon, in over 70 of our sites the cartoon characters are waiting to be found. A trail sheet can be picked up on arrival with a question on each individual character, upon completion of the sheet a special gift will be won, just ask any of our friendly stewards!’

Further fun can be had for the children in creating their own cartoon. This can be done during the visit or once the family has returned home to carry on the caper. Entries should be sent to Historic Scotland by the 9th November 2007. The winner will receive a VIP trip to Edinburgh Castle an art session at Doodles Ceramic Workshop and signed originals of the historic cartoon characters. Ten runners-up can expect to win lots of art goodies to encourage their creative aspirations. Budding artists in Fife area have leapt ahead with the most entries so far, setting the standards for the rest of the nation.

Nick Finnigan Events and Filming Manager at Historic Scotland said: ‘We are delighted with the success of this event so far, it has outstripped our already high expectations and what is more we still have a full week of Kids Go Free left. So don’t miss out, travel to your nearest Historic Scotland attraction and get involved.’

• Kids Go Free’ throughout October at Historic Scotland attractions listed below. Children must be under 16yrs and accompanied by a full paying adult (maximum of 6 children per paying adult). For further information and opening times, please visit Kids Go Free or text ‘KIDSFREE’ to 84118, or call 0131 668 8926.
• The artist commissioned for the light-hearted artwork is 26 year old Alice Druitt who set up her own company, Gingerpaws, selling cards showing famous Edinburgh scenes as an undergraduate. While still at university she was commissioned by Historic Scotland to create the artwork for the popular Cartoon Castles range. Its success prompted the latest commission.