Welcome to the National Trust for Scotland Online 19 June 2013
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Grampian WoodturnersCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateDates between : Sat 6 Jul - Sat 16 NovGrampian Woodturners' Demonstration, Exhibition & Sale.
Grampian Woodturners are exhibiting and selling their wares for at Crathes in the Education Room (located just behind Go Ape's reception area).
For further information please call 0844 4932166 |
Castle Fraser Garden WalksCastle Fraser, Garden & EstateDates between : Tue 2 Jul - Tue 3 SepA guided tour of the gardens followed by Soup and crusty bread. Throughout the season we're running a series of topical garden walks on the first Tuesday of each month (May to September). Booking essential. Please bring stout footwear and waterproofs. May 7 - Enjoy a walk around the Garden & Grounds to discover the 18th Century Thomas White designed landscape and garden features. This will be a tough walk including hills & woodland terrain.
For further information please contact the Head Gardener on 01330 830 119 / 01330 833 380 |
Guided Walk with our Head GardenerPitmedden GardenDates between : Sun 26 May - Mon 22 JulJoin Susan Burgess, Head Gardener, for an insight into the day to day running of this famous Walled Garden. |
Escape from WonderlandCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateSat 1 Jun - Sun 15 SepAlice and her friends have escaped from Wonderland and are hiding around the Crathes Castle Estate.
From June to September 2013, visit Crathes Castle and try and find as many characters from 'Alice in Wonderland' hiding on the estate as you can.
Pick up your challenge sheet from the ticket kiosk or Horsemill Gift Shop and complete it to win a prize!
For further information please call 0844 4932166 Challenge sheets can be purchased at the ticket kiosk and Horsemill Gift Shop. |
Scotland's Garden DayCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateSat 22 JunJoin us at Crathes for a Scotland's Gardens Open Day.
The walled garden is really 8 gardens, ranging from the formal to the modern. Massive yew hedges planted as early as 1702. Also see the famous June Borders, 2 lavish beds of herbaceous colour. Watch Croquet on the lawn.
June is a beautiful time to visit Crathes!
For further information please call 0844 4932166. |
The Garden: In the Footsteps of the Family CANCELLEDCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateSat 22 JunThis event has been cancelled. Please contact 0844 4932166 if you require more information.
Enjoy canapes and drinks in the Great Hall as you receive an introduction to the Walled Garden from our Head Gardener. He will then take you on a tour of the Walled Garden as you've never seen it before, through the eyes of the Burnett family who created it over four centuries, highlighting the work of Lady Sybil and the influence of Gertrude Jekyll.
For further information please call 0844 4932166 |
Hands on Herbal WorkshopPitmedden GardenDates between : Sat 29 Jun - Sat 17 Aug"What you can do for your skin and what your skin does for you.”
A ‘hands on’ herbal workshop run by Erica Hollis BSc MNIMH, medical herbalist, will give attendees the opportunity to make some herbal cosmetics and skin products.
A tasty lunch of herb soup and scones, accompanied by a herbal infusion is also included.
Tickets cost £45 and spaces are strictly limited.
For further information please call 0844 4932177 Spaces are strictly limited. |
Craigievar Kitchen Garden & Policies (Garden Volunteer Project)Craigievar CastleSat 29 JunGreen-fingered? Like working outdoors? Need to burn off some of those ice cream cones? These one-day volunteer projects give you a taster of working in our gardens.
This session involves: Eating strawberries & raspberries - no sorry I meant weeding......; young tree maintenance; carving fruit names onto plaques for orchard; and general gardening.
Please contact the property for more information: craigievarcastle@nts.org.uk
For further information please call 0844 4932174 |
Craigievar 50th NTS Anniversary Tree Planting DayCraigievar CastleSun 30 JunGreen-fingered? Like working outdoors?
These one-day volunteer projects give you a taster of working in our gardens.
Help us with the ceremonial planting of lime trees following a historic avenue line.
To attend a day project please contact Diana Robertson by Thursday June 27th by emailing drobertson@nts.org.uk
Please email Diana Robertson, Head Gardener, at drobertson@nts.org.uk |
Ranger Guided Children's Walk: Brilliant BeetlesCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateTue 9 JulFind out about our beautiful, brilliant beetles living here at Crathes.
All our events start and end in the property's car park where there is a car parking charge for non-members.
Children's walks are aimed at 5-12 year olds.
Some of our trails are unsuitable for pushchairs. Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
For further information please call 0844 4932167 Booking essential - 0844 493 2167 |
Pond Dipping - Ranger Guided Children's WalkCastle Fraser, Garden & EstateDates between : Wed 10 Jul - Wed 7 AugJoin us for some pond dipping and find out more about the amazing world of water creatures in this special pond.
A children's walk aimed at 5 - 12 year olds.
We have two sessions to choose from on each day - either 10.30am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
All our events begin and end in the property's car park where there is a car parking charge for non-members.
Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
For further information please call 0844 4932167 Booking essential 0844 493 2167 |
An Evening of Music with Jason PorterPitmedden GardenFri 12 JulCome along and enjoy a tribute evening of music in the unique setting of Pitmedden Garden. Jason has now been awarded "Europe’s Number One Michael Bublé Tribute" - Ultimate Tribute Contest 2012. He will also be performing some mixed hits from the likes of Take That, Robbie Williams and Neil Diamond.
Bring along a picnic.
Doors Open 6.30pm.
For further information please call 0844 4932177 Tickets available at the property from the 1st May on 01651 842352 |
Alice in WonderlandCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateDates between : Fri 12 Jul - Sat 13 JulChase the White Rabbit, join the Red Queen for a game of croquet and take your place at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, all in the beautiful setting of Crathes Castle's Walled Garden.
After climbing through the looking glass, Alice and her friends will find themselves in the Walled Gardens. Come and meet Alice and some of your favourite Wonderland characters who will be in the garden. You may find yourself part of the Caucas Race or listening to Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum's riddles. Join the Mad Hatter's Tea Party and the Queen of Hearts as she plays croquet, but be careful not to make her angry as it may be "off with your head!"
Tickets must be purchased in advance as a limited number of tickets are available. All visitors to the Garden, including NTS members, must purchase a ticket.
For further information please call 0844 4932166 Tickets must be purchased in advance. |
Jazz on a Summer's EveningPitmedden GardenSat 13 JulThe Atholl Smith Jazz Band perform live in a marquee in our magnificent Walled Garden.
Dress warmly, relax and enjoy the music!
Bring a picnic.
Doors open 6pm.
For further information please call 0844 4932177 Tickets available from 1st of May on 01651 842352 |
Minibeast Magic - Ranger Guided Children's Preschool WalkCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateTue 16 JulWriggly worms, beautiful bugs and slippery slugs. Discover the amazing world of minibeasts living in the woods.
A Preschool walk aimed at 3 - 5 year olds.
All our events begin and end in the property's car park where there is a car parking charge for non-members.
Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
For further information please call 0844 4932167 Booking essential - 0844 493 2167 |
Castle Fraser Jousting TournamentCastle Fraser, Garden & EstateDates between : Sat 20 Jul - Sun 21 JulJoin us for a spectacular weekend at Castle Fraser! As well as a breath-taking jousting tournament, there’ll be archery demonstrations, birds of prey flying displays, sword fighting, authentic campsites, medieval cookery demonstrations and much more!
The world famous jousting stunt team, the Knights of the Damned, present for 2013 "A Knights Tale". Look out for the gold and blue colours of William Thatcher, Count Adhemar the Black Knight returns to cause havoc! The Prince of Wales masquerading as Sir Thomas Colville and a special guest appearance from the star of 2012, William Wallace.
The show includes spectacular action, galloping horses, stunts, falls, awesome fire weapons, professional commentary and rock music that will leave you truly breathless!
See more at www.theknightsofthedamned.co.uk
We will be joined again by the Scottish Archery Association, they will be demonstrating and allowing the public to have-a-go!
See more at www.scottisharchery.org.uk
Birds of Prey flying displays - you will see an Eagle, Harris Hawk, Merlin, Kestrel, Raven, Falcons and Owls!
See more at www.smjfalconry.co.uk
A chance to see two men at arms battle with a long sword in glistening full plate armour and discuss sword techniques from the 15th century.
See more at www.andrewbalmforth.com
Come and see Medieval Realm's full medieval encampment including authentic medieval styled tents and displays. Witness the clash of steel when their knights pit their skills against each other, you will also get the chance to see all of the arms and armour up close. You will find out what life was really like during the medieval period with a whole host of talks and demos from their team of re-enactors including knights, squires, ladies, cooks, soldiers and even the dreaded torturer!
See more at www.medieval-realm.co.uk
The Rhynie Wifies would like to invite you to visit their Iron Age Camp. As part of the weekend's entertainment the Wifies will be demonstrating some of the many daily tasks that needed to be done 2000 years ago in an Iron Age home in Scotland.
There’s an exciting programme of events throughout the day, so there’s always something to see!
Ticket includes reduced entry to the castle.
For further information please call 0844 4932164 Tickets available at the property on the days of the event. |
Illyria - Babe the Sheep PigCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateSat 20 JulDick King-Smith's heartwarming tale of friendship, courage and determination is vividly brought to life by the same creative team behind Illyria's sensational record-breaking 2012 production of The Twits.
Farmer Hoggett wins a piglet at the fair - and everyone knows what unfortunate fate awaits piglets on a farm. Adopted by Fly the sheepdog, Babe develops his own methods of herding sheep using politeness instead of barking orders, and even saves the flock from being stolen by sheep rustlers. But Farmer Hoggett is a hard man to please. So when Babe is entered for the county sheep dog trials he is going to need Fly's help, all his wits, and as much politeness as he can muster if he is going to get the sheep to co-operate, win the trials, and save his bacon.
Bring the family to this fantastic night of entertainment and enjoy your picnic in one of Scotland’s most magnificent surroundings. It is suitable for all ages 5+. Tickets: £9 Child, £13.50 Adult or £43 Family (2+2) Gates open at 5:30pm and performance starts at 6.30pm.
For further information please call 0844 4932166 |
Treasure Island WorkshopCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateMon 22 Jul - Wed 24 JulYo, Ho, Ho, listen up me Hearties! Cambridge Touring Theatre is setting sail for Crathes Castle and aboard the pirate ship is a fun, lively and entertaining workshop for children aged 7-11.
So send your children to have a swell time putting on their very own production of ‘Treasure Island’. Arrrrrrgh! The children will be in charge of stage management, acting, singing, dancing, artwork, publicity and production. At the end of the 3 days their friends and families will be saying “Shiver me timbers” when the children show off their work. Even if your child doesn’t want to act, they will be fully included. Whatever skills they bring to the workshop will be used and valued. Savvy?
Until then, fair winds.
For further information or to make a booking please call 0844 4932166 42 spaces available |
The Witches of the Woods - Ranger Guided Children WalkCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateTue 23 JulBirch trees have long been considered to have magical properties.
Come along and learn more about birch trees, their wildlife, folklore and witches.
All our events begin and end in the property's car park where there is a car parking charge for non-members.
Children's walks are aimed at 5-12 year olds.
Some of our trails are unsuitable for pushchairs. Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
For further information please call 0844 4932167 Booking essential - 0844 493 2167 |
Scotland's Gardens Open DayCastle Fraser, Garden & EstateSun 28 JulCome and enjoy the beautiful gardens at Castle Fraser a Scotland's Gardens Event hosted by the National Trust for Scotland.
There'll be a Brass band, Puppet show, Games, Tea and Cakes. You can also enter the raffle to Win the Castle Fraser gardeners for ½ a day.
All this and Castle Fraser's wonderful Walled and Woodland Gardens.
A great day out for the family and garden lovers!
Admission £4.00 (including NTS members). Children under 16 free. Donations to SG beneficiaries.
For further information please call 0844 4932164 |
Woodland Crafts - Ranger Guided Children's EventCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateTue 30 JulJoin us and make crafts out of natural materials and things we find on the forest floor. Indoor craft event.
There are two sessions available, either 10.30am to 12.00pm or 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
All our events begin and end in the property's car park where there is a car parking charge for non-members.
Children's events are aimed at 5-12 year olds.
Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
For further information please call 0844 493 2167 Booking essential: 0844 493 2167 |
A Midsummer Night's DreamPitmedden GardenWed 31 JulThe Festival Players perform ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream' in the Walled Garden.
Bring your own seating, rugs and picnic and enjoy the informality of this Shakespeare classic.
Dress warmly.
Performance starts 7.15pm. Gates open 6.15pm
For further information please call 0844 4932177 Tickets available from the 1st of May on 01651 842352 |
Ranger Guided Children's Walk: Bogs, Mosses and Water BeastiesCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateWed 31 JulCome with us to explore the boggy side of Crathes estate. Marvel at our mosses and discover who is living in the boggy waters.
Wellies essential!
All our events begin and end in the property's car park where there is a car parking charge for non-members.
Some of our trails are unsuitable for pushchairs. Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
Children's walks are aimed at 5-12 year olds.
For further information please call 0844 4932167 Booking essential - 0844 493 2167 |
50 Years of Conserving Craigievar - Archaeology at Craigievar: revealing the castle's hidden history’Craigievar CastleSun 4 AugThe NTS and The Friends of Craigievar Castle present Dr Shannon Fraser (NTS Archaeologist)in a guest lecture entitled 'Archaeology at Craigievar: revealing the castle's hidden history’ at Craigievar Village Hall as part of the celebrations of 50 years of NTS conservation of the iconic Craigievar Castle.
Dr Shannon Fraser (NTS Archaeologist) will share her expertise in the development of Craigievar through archaeological discoveries and research undertaken as part of the re-harling of Craigievar Castle project.
Free to Friends of Craigievar
For further information please call 0844 4932174 Advance booking through webpage or pay on the day at Craigievar Village Hall |
Ranger Guided Chidren's Walk; Simply SpidersCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateTue 6 AugExplore Crathes looking for our silk spinning friends and find out more about their long legged way of life.
All our events begin and end in the property's car park where there is a car parking charge for non-members.
Some of our trails are unsuitable for pushchairs. Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
Children's walks are aimed at 5-12 year olds.
For further information please call 0844 493 2167 Booking essential - 0844 493 2167 |
50 Years of Conserving Craigievar - Conserving the CastleCraigievar CastleSun 11 AugCraigievar Castle and Friends of Craigievar are proud to present a guest lecture at Craigievar Village Hall by NTS Lead Surveyor Ian Davidson who will be discussing how Craigievar Castle has been conserved over the last 50 years.
Craigievar Castle has been a Conservation challenge from long before it has been in the care of the Trust. earlier work included repairs to the ceilings and many attempts to keep it dry. It is not surprising that this work has continued over the last 50 years. This talk will focus on three parts of the place and the work undertaken to ensure its care. The Harling, The Ceilings and the Barmkin Wall.
Free for Friends of Craigievar members.
For further information please call 0844 4932174 Advance booking through webpage or pay on the day at Craigievar Village Hall |
Tiny Toadstools & Monster Mushrooms - Ranger Guided Children's WalkCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateTue 13 AugFind the weird and wonderful toadstools in the woods and learn about their lives.
All our events begin and end in the property's car park where there is a car parking charge for non-members.
Some of our trails are unsuitable for pushchairs. Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
Children's walks are aimed at 5-12 year olds.
For further information please call 0844 4932167 Booking essential 0844 493 2167 |
Moths & Butterflies - Ranger Guided Children's WalkPitmedden GardenWed 14 AugEnter into the beautiful world of moths and butterflies at Pitmedden. Help us discover more about these lovely creatures and where they live.
All our events begin and end in the property's car park where there is a car parking charge for non-members.
Some of our trails are unsuitable for pushchairs. Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
Children's walks are aimed at 5-12 year olds.
For further information please call 0844 4932167 Booking essential - 0844 493 2167 |
MikadoPitmedden GardenFri 16 AugIllyria perform ‘Mikado' in the Walled Garden.
Bring your own seating, rugs and picnic and enjoy the musical comedy of this Gilbert and Sullivan classic.
Dress warmly.
Performance starts 7pm. Gates open 6pm
For further information please call 0844 4932177 Tickets available from 1st May on 01651 842352. |
50 Years of Conserving Craigievar - Caring for collections in Craigievar CastleCraigievar CastleSun 18 AugAs part of the 50 years of Craigievar Castle celebrations, the NTS and The Friends of Craigievar Castle present Fiona Butterfield (NTS Conservator)in the guest lecture ‘Caring for collections in Craigievar Castle’ at Craigievar Village Hall.
Come to Craigievar Village Hall to find out more about how we look at the collection including everything from the management of woodworm, to the conservation of the art works, from cleaning techniques to environmental monitoring.
Free for Friends of Craigievar
For further information please call 0844 4932174 Advance booking through webpage or pay on the day at Craigievar Village Hall |
Scotland's Gardens Open DayPitmedden GardenSun 18 AugGet behind the scenes at Pitmedden in support of Scotland’s Gardens.
The garden's staff will be on hand to offer a unique opportunity to glimpse behind the scenes at how this amazing garden is cultivated so beautifully.
The garden was originally created by Sir Alexander Seton in 1675. Elaborate floral designs in parterres of box edging, inspired by the garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, have been painstakingly re-created by the Trust to evoke 17th century designs for visitor enjoyment.
Fountains and sundials make fine centrepieces to the garden, filled in summer with a mass of 40,000 annual flowers and the fragrance of a succession of blooms. There is also an herb garden, herbaceous borders, beautifully wall trained fruit, a rose garden, a wildlife garden and views from the terraces take in the sumptuous planting.
Pitmedden offers inspiration and variety across the seasons.
On your visit, be sure to walk along the pleached hornbeam to the museum of farming life which presents a vivid picture of the lives and times of bygone days when the horse was the power in front of the plough. Beyond the walls there is an enchanting woodland walk leading to a nature hut with information of the wider estate, ponds and a lime kiln.
After touring the gardens, round off your day with a game of boules and a picnic lunch!
Guided Walks at 1:30pm and 3:00pm.
Partial wheelchair access. Light Refreshments Available in the Cafe.
For further information please call 0844 4932177 |
50 Year of Conserving Craigievar: Meet the ArchivistCraigievar CastleSun 25 AugA fascinating opportunity to meet the NTS Archivist Ian Riches who will be delving into the archives of Craigievar Castle.
As part of the guided tour at Craigievar Castle, Ian Riches will be showcasing some choice documents from Craigievar's archive.
For further information please call 0844 4932174 |
Fungi Fact & Fiction - Ranger Guided Adult WalkCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateSun 1 SepDelve into the fascinating world of fungi. We will look at simple ID, fungal facts & folklore.
This ranger guided walk is aimed at beginners.
All our events begin and end in the property's car park where there is a car parking charge for non-members.
Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
For further information please call 0844 4932167 Booking essential 0844 493 2167 |
A Fairytale WeekendCraigievar CastleSat 7 Sep - Sun 8 SepSponsored by the Press & Journal, The National Trust for Scotland and Friends of Craigievar Castle Group cordially invite you to a weekend of fairytale frolics...
Join us as we bring storybook characters to life at the fairytale castle in a spellbinding weekend of storytelling and performance, featuring local writer and storyteller Debbie Leslie.
Normal admission prices apply
For further information please call 0844 4932174 |
2013 Crathes Castle Half MarathonCrathes Castle, Garden & EstateSat 14 SepThe National Trust for Scotland invites you to join us on Saturday 14th September for the 2013 Crathes Castle, Garden and Estate Half Marathon.
Sponsored by Aker Solutions, the race begins beside the fairytale-like Crathes Castle and the route takes you out onto the country roads to the north and east of the estate grounds. You head out towards the estate of fellow NTS property, Drum Castle, eventually turning and heading back in a loop towards Crathes and finishing in front of the castle.
The race will start at 12pm with registration from 10.30am.
Registration for the race is £25.00 (plus £1.99 processing fee).
Register by clicking the button below.
The Crathes Half Marathon will offer competitors a good Personal Best opportunity and all finishers will receive a race medal and a T-shirt. Runners and spectators alike will have an enjoyable, fun-filled and fulfilling day out, and the £25 entry fee will help support the valuable conservation work of the National Trust for Scotland.
For further information please call 0844 4932166 |
Fungi Fact & Fiction - Ranger Guided Adult WalkCraigievar CastleSat 14 SepDelve into the fascinating world of fungi. We will look at simple ID, fungal facts & folklore.
This ranger guided walk is aimed at beginners.
All our events begin and end in the property's car park where there is a car parking charge for non-members.
Please let us know if you have any special requirements.
For further information please call 0844 4932167 Booking essential: 0844 493 2167 |
The property features a 13th-century tower (the oldest intact in Scotland)
Grounds: all year, daily.
Castle, Tearoom and Shop: 29 Mar to 30 Jun, Thur-Mon 11-4; 1 July to 31 Aug, daily 11-4; 1 Sep to 29 Sep, Thur-Mon 11-4.
Garden of Historic Roses: 29 Mar to 31 Oct, daily 11-4.15.
Tel. 0844 493 2161
Drum issues rallying cry for Bruces and Irvines
Robert the Bruce will be popping in to Drum Castle near Banchory on Saturday 22 June at 12 noon, … read more »
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