A costumed interpreter will entertain crowds at historic Kinneil House in Bo’ness this Sunday (April 23, 2017).
There will also be free tours of the mansion between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (last admission 3.30 p.m.) The property, the centrepiece of Kinneil Estate, boasts some of the best renaissance wall paintings in Scotland.
The open afternoon has been organised by the charities The Friends of Kinneil and Historic Environment Scotland.
The costumed interpreter will tell visitors about Anne, the 3rd Duchess of Hamilton – one of the key people involved in the development of Kinneil House.
Adrian Mahoney from The Friends of Kinneil said: “We hope lots of people will come along to the House on Sunday afternoon.
“Our volunteers will be on hand to tell the building’s fascinating story and show off the wonderful wall paintings. We’re also allowing people to see more of the building in 2017 – so if you’ve been before, come back and see areas previously not open to the public.
“With the support of Historic Environment Scotland, a costumed interpreter has been organised to tell visitors about Anne, Duchess of Hamilton. She’ll be performing throughout the afternoon – and we’re sure her visit will prove popular with visitors. Doors open at 1 p.m. Please note the last admission is 3.30 p.m. – so don’t be late. Neighbouring Kinneil Museum will also be open.
“Best of all, admission to the House and the Museum – and to see the costumed interpreter – is free of charge. You don’t need to book, just turn up – although children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.”
Anne, 3rd Duchess of Hamilton, was an impressive and influential character. She and her husband William were responsible for the major expansion of Kinneil House in the late 17th century. This saw the original 15th century tower house adjoined to the nearby palace building by means of one of two decorative towers, flanking the original tower house.
The coast-to-coast version of the Way was officially launched three years ago and brings many visitors to Kinneil Estate and the wider Falkirk Council area.
Amy Mack, Regional Tourism and Community Manager for Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Although you can tour the grounds of Kinneil House throughout the year, you can only see inside the building on special open days. We hope that families from across Scotland – and further afield – will pay a visit to Kinneil this year.”
Other Kinneil House open days will take place on:
- Friday, May 19, 2017 (6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.);
- Sunday, May 21, 2017 (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.);
- Sunday, June 25, 2017 (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.);
- Sunday, August 27, 2017 (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.);
- Saturday, September 16, 2017 (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.); and
- Sunday, October 29, 2017 (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.).
The last admission is 30 minutes before the stated closing times.
For more information on open days click http://www.kinneil.org.uk or pick up a leaflet from libraries and local tourist attractions in the Falkirk Council area.
History fans can also keep in touch with updates through social media at www.facebook.com/kinneil and www.twitter.com/kinneil
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The Friends of Kinneil was set up in 2006 to promote Kinneil Estate and Nature Reserve in Bo’ness. The charity organises Kinneil House open days and other events for members and visitors. (No. SC038368). The group won a Scottish Heritage Angel Award last year. To find out more, visit http://www.kinneil.org.uk
- Falkirk Community Trust manages Kinneil Museum and the surrounding Kinneil Estate on behalf of Falkirk Council. Find out more at falkirkcommunitytrust.org
- Historic Scotland and RCAHMS came together in 2015 to form a new lead public body charged with caring for, protecting and promoting the historic environment. The new body, Historic Environment Scotland (HES), leads on delivering Scotland’s first strategy for the historic environment, Our Place in Time. The body cares for Kinneil House using the existing Historic Scotland brand. Historic Environment Scotland is a registered Scottish Charity. Scottish Charity No. SC045925. You can keep up to date with news from Historic Environment Scotland and register for media release email alerts at https://www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/news/
- For image requests, email: info@kinneil.org.uk
- Kinneil House and Estate are on the western edge of Bo’ness in central Scotland, just off the A904 and A993, and are part of the Frontiers of The Roman Empire World Heritage Site. The John Muir Way also runs through the site. For satellite navigation devices, use the postcode EH51 0PR.
- Media enquiries: tel. 01506 823714 or 01506 510629; email: info@kinneil.org.uk . More contact details at kinneil.org.uk/friends
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