Historic Kinneil House in Bo’ness – said to be haunted by the ghost of a White Lady – is opening its doors just before Hallowe’en.
The imposing mansion – which also boasts its own internal gravestones – will stage a free family fun day on Sunday, October 26, 2014. The House, within Kinneil Estate, will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Last admission will be 2.30 p.m.
Visitors will be able to hear about Lady Alice Lilbourne, who is said to haunt the House and the grounds. They will also hear about people from Bo’ness who were tried for witchcraft.
The spooky event is the last free open day at Kinneil House in 2014. It has been organised by Historic Scotland and The Friends of Kinneil charity.
The House – once home of the Dukes of Hamilton – dates back to the 15th century. As well as gravestones (relics from the nearby churchyard at Kinneil), the House also has some of the best renaissance wall paintings in Scotland. Volunteer guides will be on hand to tell people about the building and reveal its secrets.
Youngsters are being encouraged to dress up in Hallowe’en costumes for the October 26 event. The best dressed will win a prize.
Admission is free – although children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Kinneil Museum will also be open that afternoon.
Maria Ford, the chair of The Friends of Kinneil, said: “Kinneil House is a wonderful place to visit and it gets quite spooky as winter draws in.
“For the event on October 26, we’ll be telling people about the White Lady who is said to haunt the House and grounds and the local people tried for witchcraft in the 17th century.
“To add to the atmosphere, we’re asking children to get dressed up in Hallowe’en costumes. We’ll also award a book token for the best-dressed child.”
She added: “This is the last open day at Kinneil House for 2014. We’re already talking about events next year and would welcome feedback from visitors. I hope people will come along to Kinneil and find out about its fascinating – and spooky – past.”
For updates, visit www.twitter.com/kinneil or www.fb.com/kinneil
Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway is also running “Steam and Scream” Hallowe’en themed trains the same weekend (Oct 25/26). Visit the website for more information: www.bkrailway.co.uk
Kinneil House and Museum is just off the A993 (Dean Road) – the main road through Bo’ness. Look out for brown tourist signs at the western side of Bo’ness. The postcode for the site is EH51 0PR. For additional location information visit www.kinneil.org.uk/map or call Kinneil Museum on 01506 778530. Discover information on other local attractions at www.visitfalkirk.com and www.kinneil.org.uk/bonet
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