VISITORS from as far afield as the USA and Spain flocked to Kinneil House on Saturday (November 1).
Around 200 people toured the Bo’ness mansion during a three hour, free open day for Hallowe’en.
Volunteers from The Friends of Kinneil got into the “spirit” of things, telling people about the resident ghost, Lady Alice Lilbourne. They also donned costumes to recount tales of real-life witches in bygone Bo’ness.
And young visitors joined in the fun by donning fancy dress – bidding to win book tokens donated by The Friends.
The charity’s chairman, Bruce Henderson, said: “We had a busy afternoon, with lots of people coming through the doors. It was fantastic. One family of Hamiltons from America visited Kinneil – as the House is the historic home to the Dukes of Hamilton. Apparently they read about the open day on the internet. We also had someone from Spain sign our visitors’ book. We were delighted to see so many people come along. It was a great way to end our series of free open days for 2008.”
Holly Fleming (8), from Deanburn Walk, Bo’ness, and Oliver MacDonald (6), from Midtown, Menstrie, impressed judges with their fancy dress outfits. Holly was dressed as a red devil and Oliver came as Maximus, a Roman soldier. They each win vouchers for the Inkspot & Silverleaf Bookshop in Bo’ness.
Kinneil Museum also had a busy afternoon – with regular numbers boosted by the open day. Local councillor Adrian Mahoney, who helped at the Hallowe’en event, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people visit Kinneil House and the wider estate. The Friends of Kinneil are already planning more open days in 2009 and I’m sure they’ll continue to draw in the crowds. In the meantime Kinneil Museum, which interprets the estate’s history, is open Monday to Saturday afternoons throughout the winter months. Admission is free.”
To find out more about Kinneil House, Museum and the wider estate, visit http://www.kinneil.org.uk
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