SCOTLAND’S oldest inhabited house is offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a medieval festival in a historic setting.
Traquair House in the Borders, which dates back to 1107, is putting the final touches to this weekend’s Medieval Fayre.
The event attracts participants from across the UK, from re-enactors, to knights in armour, men at arms, traders and living history enthusiasts.
Alongside jousting and falconry displays, battles and combat demonstrations, visitors will be able to learn about the house’s connection with Mary, Queen of Scots, and the early Scottish kings and queen. It claims 27 visited over the centuries.
Lydia Ferguson, a promoter for the event, said it was the “only truly authentic Medieval Fayre in Scotland”.
She added the fayre offers “entertainments and activities for all the family”.
Saturday’s event kicks off with a live canon firing.
The house’s old walled garden will host a virtual medieval village, featuring traders, demonstrators from a medieval forge, green woodworking, armoury, fletchers, rush hat making, shoemakers, medieval games and toys.
For young guests, a sword and helmet-making workshop will take place, along with longbow archery, jester shows and storytelling with Mistress Quill.
For those brave enough, the Perth executioner will also be on hand to explain his instruments of torture.
Authentic music, food and drink will also be on offer over the weekend.
Tickets are available at a reduced price until today from tinyurl.com/y3j9xl4h
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here