Since 1st October, children across the country have been on the search for hidden cartoon characters across over 70 Historic Scotland attractions.

However this weekend, the agency is giving visitors the opportunity to create their very own Cartoon Caper with the artist responsible for the cartoons, Alice Druitt.

As part of the nationwide Big Draw, Alice will be hosting special drop-in Cartoon Workshops at Edinburgh Castle for one weekend only, teaching children how to turn themselves (as well as some famous historical figures) into caricatures.

Picture Me will take place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October with drop-in sessions from 10.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4.00pm.

Alice Druitt, the cartoonist who will be hosting the workshops said: ‘I really enjoyed creating the characters for the Historic Scotland Cartoon Caper and I am looking forward to showing children how they can create their very own colourful caricatures at our special drop-in workshops. Drawing is fun but also an exciting way of helping children understand and interpret the world around them. I am certain we will have a good few masterpieces after each session and hopefully some young, budding cartoonists of the future.’

Alice was born and educated in Edinburgh. With influences from Rene Goscinny and Albert Uderzo’s Asterix cartoons, it is perhaps no surprise that many of her cartoons involve figures from history. As well as working in fashion in London, Alice also runs her card line, Gingerpaws www.sias.co.uk/ginger [3]. Since Gingerpaws cards first went on sale in 2003, Alice has designed two exclusive ranges of cartoon products for Historic Scotland and a range of placemats and coasters for Castle Melamine. She has also been involved with art projects for the Sick Kids and the 2006 Cow Parade, both in Edinburgh.

Picture me cartoon workshops are on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October at Edinburgh Castle [4]. Drop-in sessions are from 10.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4.00pm.

The event is free after Edinburgh Castle admission. Children are free for the whole month of October at all Historic Scotland properties including Edinburgh Castle. Families can also take part in the Cartoon Caper, searching for 10 historical cartoon characters hidden around the attraction.

Holyrood Park will also be hosting drop-in art sessions (as part of the Big Draw) at the Holyrood Park Education Centre. Art for Arthur is on Sunday 14th October only from 11.00am - 3.00pm.

• Edinburgh Castle is open 7 days a week from 9.30am - 5.00pm (Oct - Mar). Admission: Adult £11.00, Child £5.50, Concession £9.00.
  
  
• A majestic landmark which dominates the capital city's skyline just as it has dominated Scotland's long and colourful history Edinburgh Castle is the best known and most visited of our historic buildings. Perched on an extinct volcano and offering stunning views, this instantly recognisable fortress is a powerful national symbol, and part of Edinburgh's World Heritage site.
  
  
• The Cartoon Caper is part of the Historic Scotland Kids Go Free campaign. Historic Scotland commissioned Scottish artist Alice Druitt to specially create the ten cartoon characters covering as many periods of history as possible. After completing the trail, budding cartoon detectives will win a special gift. Details will then be entered into a prizedraw to win a VIP trip to Edinburgh Castle, art session at Doodles Ceramic workshop www.doodlesscotland.co.uk [5], signed originals of the historic cartoon characters artwork by Alice Druitt and lots more art goodies.
  
  
• ‘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 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/kidsgofree [6] or text ‘KIDSFREE’ to 84118, or call 0131 668 8926.
  
  
• The Big Draw runs from 1st to 31st October 2007, with a special focus on Saturday 13th October. Throughout the country, over 1000 venues - including galleries, museums, science centres, heritage sites, libraries, community and shopping centres, colleges, schools and art clubs - will be hosting drawing activities suited to all levels of ability. Participants of all ages will be invited to come along to experiment with a variety of medium, including pencils, crayons, charcoal, sand and digital imagery. For further information on The Big Draw Campaign, visit www.campaignfordrawing.org [7].