HISTORY fans are in for ‘Fair’ treat this Sunday (June 27).
Visitors will get a rare chance to see inside the imposing Kinneil House in Bo’ness, which boasts some of the best renaissance wall paintings in Scotland.
Historic Scotland Rangers will also be on hand to take people on tours of the surrounding Kinneil Estate, which boasts the remains of a medieval church, a Roman fortlet, and a cottage used by inventor James Watt.
Neighbouring Kinneil Museum – which features a free audio-visual show, as well as interactive displays for children – will also be open.
Visitors can tour inside the House from noon to 4 p.m. (last admission 3.30 p.m.) on Sunday. The Rangers will start estate tours at noon and 2 p.m.
The event has been organised by Historic Scotland, the charity The Friends of Kinneil and Falkirk Council to tie in with this weekend’s celebrations for the Bo’ness Children’s Fair.
Kinneil House was an early venue for the historic children’s day, and also boasts other links with the festival – said to be one of the biggest of its kind in Scotland.
A spokesperson for The Friends of Kinneil said: “We’re pleased to be working with Historic Scotland to stage this special open day, just a few days after this year’s Bo’ness Fair.
“Volunteer guides will take people through part of the House and explain its fascinating history, including its links with the Fair itself. Admission is free of charge.
“Visitors can also take advantage of the Rangers’ tours around the estate – and free access to neighbouring Kinneil Museum. There should be something for all the family.”
Kinneil House, which dominates Kinneil Estate, dates back to the 15th century and was once home to the Dukes of Hamilton. The building was re-modelled in the 1540s and transformed into a stately home in the 1660s.
Find out more at www.kinneil.org.uk/
NOTES TO EDITORS
Kinneil House and Museum is just off the A993 (Dean Road) – the main road through Bo’ness. For location information visit www.kinneil.org.uk/map or call Kinneil Museum on 01506 778530. Follow signs for “Kinneil Estate and Museum”.
Bo’ness Children’s Fair is thought to be the biggest event of its type in Scotland. Modelled on Lanark’s Lanimer Day it was launched in 1897 – and involves the coronation of a Fair Queen. Kinneil House was an early backdrop for the official ceremony; this week’s event will take place in another local park, a short distance away. Find out more at www.thefairday.com
Kinneil House is one of around 350 outstanding historic properties and sites in the care of Historic Scotland. These include some of the leading tourism attractions in the country, including Stirling, Edinburgh and Urquhart Castles, Fort George, Linlithgow Palace, the Border Abbeys, and Skara Brae. Find out more by visiting www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
For more information, please contact: Bruce Henderson, Chairman, The Friends of Kinneil, tel. 01506 510308
Kinneil 