Top visitor attractions in Helensburgh and Lomond will be offering free entry as part of a special deal taking place this month.

From Saturday, March 9 until Sunday, March 17, adults who go to Helensburgh’s Hill House and to Geilston Garden in Cardross will be able to visit free of charge through the National Lottery Open Week initiative.

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

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 Geilston, a lottery spokesperson said: “Explore Geilston Garden, a delightful 200-year-old garden on the banks of the River Clyde.

“Enjoy the carpet of dazzling colours inside the walled garden, look out for the gunnera, or giant rhubarb – its leaves can grow as large as an eagle’s wingspan, and discover the woodland adventure area for younger children.”

The spokesperson continued: “Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s domestic masterpiece of design was way ahead of its time.

“Mackintosh was a revolutionary designer, but the materials and techniques at the cutting edge of architectural design in 1900 haven’t withstood a century of the west of Scotland’s harsh, wet weather.

“These conditions lead the Trust to encase it in a remarkable metal cage to enable conservation work to be carried out but also allow visitors to traverse gantries and viewpoints to look down of the house to appreciate its stylish form.”

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