A family heritage day is taking place at Kinneil Estate in Bo’ness this Saturday, September 15, 2018.
Historic Kinneil House will be open for FREE tours from noon (last admission 3.30 p.m.)
There will also be Roman-themed activities in the grounds from 1-4 p.m. Most of events are free, although there may be a small charge for some activities to cover costs.
The open afternoon has been organised by The Friends of Kinneil charity, in association with Historic Environment Scotland and Falkirk Community Trust.
Kinneil House – built on the line of the Roman Antonine Wall – boasts amazing painted rooms and was once home to the powerful Hamilton family. Volunteer guides will be on hand to give tours every 15-20 minutes, leaving from Kinneil Museum.
There are limited numbers on each tour – so arrive in good time to avoid disappointment. More on the House tours here.
In the surrounding parkland:
- The Antonine Guard re-enactment group will be setting up camp near Kinneil Museum and putting on displays of military activities from nearly two thousand years ago.
- Author Mike Nicholson will be entertaining younger children in Kinneil Museum from 2-3 p.m. One of his “Museum Mystery Squad” books focuses on “The Case of the Roman Riddle”.
- Children will be able to try fun archery sessions (50p for five goes). Every child taking part will get an Antonine Wall pencil.
- Children – and adults – will be able to try on Roman-themed outfits at a dressing up stall.
- Youngsters will also be able to decorate a Roman crown and sword (£1 charge per person) at a craft stall.
- Falkirk District Wargames Club will be on hand to let anyone play a Roman-themed table top war game, using miniature figures.
- In the Estate’s orchard, behind the Museum, families can take part in free activities to find out about the site’s biodiversity.
- There will also be fundraising stalls, food and refreshments.
Ian Shearer from The Friends of Kinneil said: “It should be a great afternoon.
“Kinneil House tours are always busy and I’d recommend getting along earlier in the afternoon to secure a tour ticket. Sadly, we can’t take pre-booking for tours before each open day – but the Museum will be open from noon on Saturday to issue tickets and organise tours.
“The Museum will also host author Mike Nicholson, whose books are popular with primary school pupils. Mike will be at the Museum from 2 p.m. Details and tickets for this are available at the museum.”
He added: “Outside, in the grounds, there will be lots of activities for local families.
“The Antonine Guard will be setting up camp. They are a brilliant living history group that takes you right back to Roman times. We’ll also have displays from Falkirk District Wargames Club – making a return visit to the Estate – as well as a dressing-up stall, craft sessions and fundraising stalls.
“We’re also delighted that Falkirk Community Trust is supporting the event by having a free event for families in the orchard behind the Museum.
“Admission to the House and Estate will be free of charge – so come along. And remember to bring a camera to get shots of the re-enactment people!”
Saturday’s event is supporting Scottish Archaeology Month, Doors Open Days in Scotland and the local Big Roman Week festival. It’s also the penultimate Friends’ open event of 2018: things conclude with Hallowe’en themed tours of Kinneil House at the end of October.
For more details please visit www.kinneil.org and www.bigromanweek.org.uk
Kinneil 
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