Spooky Kinneil House in Bo’ness is opening its doors just before Hallowe’en.
The mansion, which dates back to the early 1500s, will be open for free tours on Sunday, October 28, 2018 from noon to 4 p.m. (last admission 3.30 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.
Visitor information: what you need to know
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 2018. Open days are delivered by The Friends of Kinneil in association with Historic Environment Scotland and Falkirk Community Trust.
“Please note that we can only allow a certain amount of people in the main House at any one time, so make sure you get along in good time to secure your tour tickets – and certainly well before the 3.30 p.m. last tour.”
Ian Shearer, chair of The Friends of Kinneil, 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 people 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.
“As well as spooky tours, we’ll also be running some ‘normal’ guided tours around the House on October 28.”
Kinneil Museum will also be open throughout the afternoon. The museum features relics dating back to Roman times, as well video displays and hands-on exhibits. There will also be a pop-up cafe, selling drinks and snacks.
Ian said: “Tickets for the House tours, and further information, will be available on the day in the museum. So, head there first. Please note that we can only allow a certain amount of people in the main House at any one time, so make sure you get along in good time to secure your tour tickets – and certainly well before the 3.30 p.m. last tour.”
* 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
You’ll also find updates on social media: www.twitter.com/kinneil and www.facebook.com/kinneil
Find out more about open days here.
Kinneil 
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