EDITOR’S DIARY
Each issue, our editor pinpoints some of the things that have her circling her calendar. This issue, she is looking forward to some special events across Scotland’s stately homes and castles
FIVE OF THE BEST… CASTLE AND STATELY HOME EVENTS
1
Blair Castle, Perthshire
This year, Blair Castle, the ancestral home of the Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl and a beautiful example of a lived-in castle, continues its Castle Couture exhibition, which is displaying historic garments from the castle’s attics. Three new exhibition rooms have been added for 2023 and include treasured items from the wardrobe of Scotland’s first female Member of Parliament – the 8th Duchess of Atholl. atholl-estates.co.uk/blair-castle
2 Scone Palace, Perthshire
Scone Palace, the crowning place of Scottish kings, has been at the forefront of people’s minds this year as it was the historic home of the Stone of Scone (or Stone of Destiny), which controversially starred in the recent coronation of King Charles III. Visitors this year can see a replica of the stone and walk in the footsteps of Scottish monarchs from Robert the Bruce to Macbeth, or if you can wait until spring 2024, then you can visit the palace and then head to Perth where the stone will be housed in its new permanent home of Perth Museum. scone-palace.co.uk 3
The Georgian House, Edinburgh
In the grand setting of Charlotte Square in the capital’s New Town, this stately museum oers a glimpse into life during Edinburgh’s Enlightenment era year-round, and until November 2023 it will also host a special exhibition on one of the period’s most prominent painters. Raeburn’s Edinburgh brings together 18 portraits and engravings by Henry Raeburn (see left) from across the National Trust for Scotland’s collection to mark the 200th anniversary of the artist’s death. It will reveal insights not just into the artist himself but the people who sat for him and the society and attitudes of the time. nts.org.uk/visit/places/georgian-house
4
Glamis Castle, Angus
This year, Glamis Castle sees the return of its guided tours after a three-year hiatus, while the Children of Glamis exhibition features photographs, childhood dresses and toys belonging to Queen Elizabeth II from when she visited the castle – her mother’s childhood home – when she was a little girl. glamis-castle.co.uk
5
Duart Castle, Isle of Mull
If you’re visiting Scotland this summer, you may still be able to get booked onto one of the season’s special tours at Duart Castle on the
Isle of Mull. You’ll learn about castle residents throughout history – including clan chiefs – and hear all about the wrecks of the Cromwellian invasion fleet, plus discover hidden treasures, such as the mysterious ‘Green Man’. duartcastle.com