Festive celebrations get underway at the National Trust for Scotland’s Crathes Castle in Banchory on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December, with a wonderful Christmas Fair.

Christmases past will be brought to life for visitors as the castle is transported back to Victorian times. Watch the family and their servants prepare for festive celebrations, 19th century-style.

Other festive fun includes a very special visitor - Father Christmas. On Saturday he will be joined by Porridge the Donkey in his Grotto. On Sunday, he will be joined by a full reindeer team from the Cairngorm Reindeer herd.

Holly, mistletoe and roast chestnuts will be for sale too. Visitors can get creative with some Christmas arts and crafts.

A range of seasonal fair will be served up at the Courtyard and Horsemill Restaurants. There is also a full range of gifts on offer at the new Horsemill Bookshop - from Scottish interest to cookery, gardening and humour, there are Christmas gift ideas for all the family.

Property Manager Wendy McDonald said:

“We are all getting very excited by Santa’s imminent arrival. We have been working hard to make sure the castle looks at its Christmassy best, so that Santa and our visitors have a really festive time.”

The event takes place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December 2008, from 10.00am until 4.00pm. Entry to the Castle Houseparty costs £3.00 for adults and £2.00 for children. Entry to the grounds on Sunday 7 December costs £3.00 for adults and £1.00 for children.