The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Transforming Kinross to celebrate Mary Queen of Scots Festival
Festival will celebrate the troubled reign of Queen Mary Stuart
A team of historians that brought the past to life for a series of Hollywood blockbusters will transform a Perthshire castle this summer, to mark the 450th anniversary of Mary Queen of Scots’ reign.
The Clanranald Trust for Scotland are a living history group that has worked on big screen epics and will turn Market Park in Kinross into an immersive, living and breathing historical encampment as part of a two-day festival to commemorate Queen Mary’s imprisonment at Lochleven Castle.
The event will be staged over the weekend of September 2 and 3.
Fiona Hyslop, cabinet secretary for culture, tourism and external affairs, said the free festival is a signature event in the Year of History, Heritage and Archeology 2017.
She said: “The Mary Queen of Scots Festival offers us a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the story as part of our rich heritage and cultural traditions, drawing visitors of all ages from the local area and beyond.”
Clanranald, which has been helping out with the latest DC superheroes film, Justice League, will recreate the hustle and bustle of 16th Century Scotland, with Queen Mary herself “making an appearance”.
Knights in armour will arrive from across the realm and beyond to show off their finery and prowess in a live action, competitive jousting demonstration.
The event will feature challenges from the Kingdom of Cornwell, the Shire of Nottingham, the Flatlands of Mercia, as well as homegrown Caledonian knights.
Visitors will be invited to mingle with these flamboyant characters, hear details of their training, lives, loves and losses.
The encampment will also include the Royal Stuart Kitchens, a hands-on activity showcasing the food of the period.
There will also be an armoury where visitors can watch elaborate weapons and armour being manufactured.
Malin Allan from the Clanranald Trust said: “Scotland is built on the history of remarkable individuals and one of these is the trials and tribulations of Mary Queen of Scots.
“The Clanranald Trust is honoured to be part of the festival, bringing Mary’s story to life.”
Scotland is built on the history of remarkable individuals and one of these is the trials and tribulations of Mary Queen of Scots. MALIN ALLAN CLANRANALD TRUST