Spooky Kinneil House in Bo’ness is opening its doors for Hallowe’en.
The mansion, which dates back to the early 1500s, will be open for free tours on Saturday, October 31, from noon to 3 p.m. (last admission 2.30 p.m.)
Youngsters are being urged to turn up in fancy dress. The best dressed child will win a book token.
Volunteers from The Friends of Kinneil charity will be on hand to telling chilling tales about the building’s past. The House is said to be haunted by the ghost of a White Lady. The volunteer guides will also reveal how local people were tried for witchcraft in the Bo’ness area.
Kinneil House – which boasts its own internal gravestones (remnants from nearby Kinneil Churchyard) – was once home to the powerful Hamilton family.
The ancient building also features some of the best renaissance wall paintings in Scotland – and has links to characters such as James Watt and Mary, Queen of Scots.
The free open afternoon will be the last chance for people to see inside Kinneil House (the centrepiece of Kinneil Estate) in 2015. The Friends, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, will re-open the building again in Spring 2016 with a new series of open days.
A spokesman for The Friends said: “The old house gets quite spooky at this time of year. In fact, you never know what you might discover!
“Hallowe’en open days are always popular at Kinneil and we’re encouraging folks to come along to enjoy the seasonal fun. Children, particularly those in fancy dress, will be very welcome – with a prize for the best dressed child. However, anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. The last admission is 2.30 p.m., so don’t be late!”
Kinneil Museum – in the grounds of the surrounding Kinneil Estate – will also be open. The museum features relics dating back to Roman times, as well video displays and hands-on exhibits.
* Kinneil House, Museum and Estate are on the western edge of Bo’ness, just off the A993 (Dean Road) – the main road through Bo’ness. The postcode for the site is EH51 0PR. For maps, and more information, visit http://www.kinneil.org.uk. You’ll also find updates on social media: http://www.twitter.com/kinneil and www.fb.com/kinneil
Download a hi-res version of the Kinneil poster: http://j.mp/spookykinneil
HALLOWE’EN EVENTS NEARBY
- The Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway is also running “Steam and Scream” Hallowe’en themed trains the same weekend (October 31/November 1). Visit the website for more information: www.bkrailway.co.uk
- The nearby Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness town centre is running a Hallowe’en event on the evening of Saturday, October 31. Visit www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/arts for details.
- Also in Bo’ness, the Barony Theatre, off Borrowstoun Road, is running a free Hallowe’en drop-in event on October 31. Visitors will get to try on costumes! http://j.mp/spookybarony
- Finally, The Kelpies – a short drive away at Grangemouth and Falkirk’s Helix Park – will be staging Hallowe’en events on October 30 and 31.
P.S. The Falkirk Halloween Festival is also taking place this year. See http://falkirkhalloweenfestival.com/events.html for more information.
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