Robin Hood fun day for Kinneil

HISTORIC Kinneil Estate in Bo’ness is going back to medieval times for its annual heritage event.

The parkland – which boasts ancient buildings and acres of woodlands – will become its very own version of Sherwood Forest to host a family fun day, with a Robin Hood theme.

The event takes place on Sunday, August 29, from 12.30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Falkirk Council, which owns the estate, has organised a range of free activities for the annual event – run in front of the imposing Kinneil House.

For children there will be workshops, merry men games, Robin Hood puppets as well as storytelling and face painting.  If you come along dressed as a Robin Hood character, you could win a prize.

In the main arena there will be birds of prey as well as displays from the Falkirk Company of Archers. Other attractions will include a charity market, inflatables and a climbing wall.

Thanks to Historic Scotland and The Friends of Kinneil charity, Kinneil House – which dates back to the 15^th century – will also be open for free tours inside. The House boasts some of the best renaissance wall paintings in Scotland. Please note that the House will be open from noon to 4 p.m. (last admission at 3.30 p.m.)

Kinneil Museum, which tells the history of the estate, will also be open during the fun afternoon.

Councillor Adrian Mahoney, the Council’s convener of leisure, tourism and community, said: “The Kinneil Heritage Event is always a great day out for families, offering lots of free activities for all ages. I hope lots of local people – as well as those from further afield – will come along and join in the fun in this fantastic parkland setting.”

He added: “This year, we’re going back to medieval times with a Robin Hood theme. Kinneil itself was a busy place at that time. The parish church – ruined but still visible in the estate today – was built around the 12^th century and there’s thought to have been a thriving village near the church site.

“The estate also boasts the remains of a Roman fortlet, a cottage used by James Watt, and, of course, the imposing Kinneil House, which will be open for free tours during the Heritage event.”