Scottish Genealogy and Family History Research - News - Genealogy and Family History in Scotland

This is part of our programme of short walks and talks around the House to highlight certain objects paintings or people within, or connected to, the House. The Talks last around 45 minutes and will be held upstairs in the House on Tuesdays at 3pm between July and August and they are free to visitors; however, normal entry prices apply. Pollok House has a number of landscape paintings by such artists as, John Knox, Horatio McCulloch and Alexander Nasmyth. Angus will talk about the artists and their works on display at Pollok House. Price: FREE, but normal entry prices apply Spaces are limited and if you prefer to book a place call 0141 616 6410

Wednesday, August 30 2017, 10 am - 11 am

Standing Stones of Stenness Walk

Venue: Stones of Stenness Circle and Henge

Join the Orkney Ranger Service for a free guided tour of our oldest stone circle, and explore the fascinating links with the nearby Neolithic village of Barnhouse.

Wednesday, August 30 2017, 7 pm - 9 pm

Thomson and the City

Mark Baines

Venue: The Lighthouse, Mitchell Lane, Glasgow

As part of our 2017 lecture series, Mark Baines will discuss Alexander Thomson’s urban architecture and his lasting legacy in the city of Glasgow. Free.

Thursday, August 31 2017, 2 pm - 3 pm

Secrets of Huntly Castle

Venue: Huntly Castle

Join one of our guides to hear of the Castle from the Motte and Bailey days to the time of the Tower House. Then on to the refurbishments of the Fourth Earl and First Marquis, concluding with the Castle’s final years. There will be tales of battles won and lost, deaths gruesome, graffiti medieval and modern and carvings intact and defaced. Our local guide will link the Castle to town and district making this a special and memorable experience. This event is included in the Huntly Castle admission price, but booking is essential.

Thursday, August 31 2017, 4.30 pm

Newhailes Behind the Scenes Tours

Venue: Newhailes House, Musselburgh

Join one of our guides to see rooms not currently shown on the tour at Newhailes and discover their history and some of the conservation issues facing our collection. Tickets Adults: £12.50 Concessions: £9.00 Advanced booking essential either online, in person at our visitor centre or by phone - 0131 653 5599.

Friday, September 1 2017, 10 am - 12 pm, 2 pm - 4 pm

An Exhibition of Monifeith's Archaeology

Venue: House of Memories, Monifieth

Come along and visit the House of Memories where you can view an exhibition of photographs and reproductions of archaeological finds in and around Monifieth, as well as the permanent exhibitions on display.

Friday, September 1 2017, 10 am - 6 pm

The Archaeology of Angus

Venue: Forfar Library, West High Street, Forfar DD8 1BA

A display of archaeological highlights from the county in your local library. Help celebrate the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology by visiting your local library (including mobiles) to see a display of archaeological highlights from the county, featuring some of the best local archaeology told via photographs, text and maps. Normal library opening hours. All ANGUSalive Libraries (including mobiles).

Friday, September 1 2017, 2 pm

An A-Z of Archaeology

Gavin Hunter

Venue: Arbroath Library, Gallery 1, Hill Terrace, Arbroath DD11 1AH

Come along to an illustrated talk by Gavin Hunter, ANGUSalive’s Local History and Heritage Officer. Get a whistle-stop view of the subject and Angus’ archaeology including some more unusual aspects.

Friday, September 1 2017, 2 pm

Bowhill Country Estate Talk & Walk

Venue: Bowhill Theatre, Bowhill Country Estate, Bowhill, Selkirk TD7 5ET

Entry £6 adult. Includes cream tea Talk and cream tea at beautiful Bowhill. Followed by a walk around the architectural heritage of Bowhill Estate, highlighting the developments and changes to the house in the late Georgian and Victorian periods. www.bowhillhouse.co.uk

Friday, September 1 2017, 7 pm

Lighting the Borders Jedburgh Castle

Venue: Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum, Castlegate, Jedburgh TD8 6QD

Light Years: A participative site-specific installation by Sue Scowcroft & James Wyness. Light Years explores the deep history of Jedburgh Castle Jail, in particular the human and social heritage of Jedburgh. Visitors are invited to follow a star chart, superimposed on the ground plan of the castle, which maps out twelve locations around the Castle Jail and grounds. At these locations the visitor will find short poetic stories, intimate sharings left behind by people from the past, men and women, young and old, who may have passed through the site. The installation honours the work of the 18th and 19th Century ‘Borders Enlightenment’ scientists who were born or based in Jedburgh. www.liveborders.org.uk

Friday, September 1 2017, 7 pm

Lighting the Borders Duns Law

Venue: Duns Law via Duns Castle, Duns, TD11 3NW

Attendance Free Lantern Parade, Beacon Lighting, Covenanter’s Conventicle, signing of the Covenant & Free Lantern Making Workshop! Join us as the Church bell rings in Duns Market Square for a procession to Duns Law. At the Law there will be a brief presentation on the history of the conventicle and re-enactment. At the end of the conventicle we will light the beacon that will burn for three nights on Duns Law and procession members will be invited to light their lanterns and sign a copy of the Covenant before participating in a Torchlight Procession past the castle on route to the square. Look out for pop-up storytelling along the way! We are particularly grateful to the owners of Duns Castle and their guests for opening up the private driveways exclusively for the procession. Duns Castle lighting will remain visible on Saturday and Sunday evenings from the core path (no vehicle access) going from the Old High School west end past the Geans House up to the west side of the Castle. Make a lantern for Friday’s procession! Free Lantern Making Workshop open to members of the public on Saturday 12 August from 11.00–13.00 and 14.00–17.00 in Duns Parish Church Hall, Church Square, Duns TD11 3DD www.dunscastle.co.uk

Friday, September 1 2017, 7 pm

Lighting the Borders Neidpath Castle

Venue: Neidpath Castle, Peebles, EH45 8NW

Entry £14 adult, £7 child (under 18s) No other concessions Performance at Neidpath Castle by Scottish Vocal Ensemble, Savourna Stevenson & Matt Seattle. The evening begins with Border Piper, Matt Seattle who will pipe the audience into the venue from the rooftop of Neidpath Castle to be followed by site specific performances from the Scottish Vocal Ensemble and Savourna Stevenson, internationally renowned harpist, musician and composer. A varied programme which will explore the unique landscape, literature and culture of the Borders, performed in the dramatic setting of this ancient castle. The programme will include The Dream by Savourna Stevenson inspired by the writing of John Buchan and works that delve into the myth and legend passed down in famous Border Ballads. Tickets: www.borderevents.com

Friday, September 1 2017, 7.30 pm

Lighting the Borders Newark Castle

Venue: Newark Castle, Bowhill Country Estate, Bowhill, Selkirk, TD7 5ET

Torchlight walk to Newark Castle, Bowhill, performances by the Fisher Lassies, pop-up storytelling & torchlight parade. Enjoy a family friendly torchlight walk to Newark Castle, with stories, stops and surprises along the way. The evening begins in the Sunken Garden at Bowhill House, which will be floodlit for the occasion. On the short walk to Newark there will be pop up storytelling followed by a site specific performance from the Fisher Lassies outside the ruined castle. Newark will be lit from within allowing light to flood out of the tumbled down windows and roof space. The parade will return to the Sunken Garden by torchlight. www.bowhillhouse.co.uk

Saturday, September 2 2017, 1 pm - 9 pm

The Road to Pinkie 1

Venue: Hume Castle, Hume, Greenlaw, Berwickshire TD5 7TR

Entry Free. Donations welcome The Road to Pinkie #1 – medieval re-enactment, storytelling, living history & tour. Join us at Hume Castle for a day of living history, storytelling and song! Come and see the Kelso Laddie, Greenlaw Maid and entourage ride in on horseback to open the event at 13.00 followed by an afternoon of re-enactment and living history with the Lothian Levy to include living history camp, drill training, skirmishes and the representation of the castle’s fortunes in the Rough Wooing. See Lady Hume’s surrender on the battlements and the Hume Banner (Marchmont Standard) flaunted for the first time in many centuries! Other highlights include: Archaeological Walk and Tour with Piers Dixon, Hog Roast, Medieval Food, Smailholm Singers, Northumbrian and Scottish Pipers, Poetry, Storytelling and Music. This event is the first of three precursors to the Battle of Pinkie re-enactment. www.humecastle.org

Saturday, September 2 2017, 10 am - 3.30 pm

The Heritage of the Galawater Valley - Heriot Church

Venue: Heriot Church, Heriot, EH38 5YE

Entry Free. Light refreshments will be available The Heritage of the Galawater Valley – Heriot Church Stow and Heriot churches have an interesting history, and are pleased to take part in the Borders Heritage Festival by opening their doors to the public and offering tours. Heriot Church and lands belonged to the monks of Newbattle from the early fourteenth century until the Reformation. Bishop de Berneham consecrated a church at Heriot in March 1244, but it is not certain whether this church lay on the same site as the present one. www.stowandheriotchurch.org.uk

Saturday, September 2 2017, 10 am - 5 pm

An Exhibition of Monifeith's Archaeology

Venue: House of Memories, Monifieth

Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland

Saturday, September 2 2017, 10.15 am

A Day in Perth

Venue: Perth Station

Visit St Ninian’s Episcopal Cathedral for a talk and tour led by Christopher Dingwall, as well as the Fair Maid’s House (now home of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society) and a guided walk. Visits to other buildings are being arranged. Cost £15

Saturday, September 2 2017, 10:30am-4:00pm

Family History Day: Art in the Archives

Venue: John Gray Centre

This year our Family History Day is inspired by archives as works of art. Our collections include beautiful notarial signatures, renaissance style seals, 16th century manuscript music, textile designs, photographs, drawings and doodlings! Join us for a packed programme of talks, workshops and behind the scenes tours. Find out what inspires an archaeological illustrator, learn more about the artworks held by East Lothian Museum Service, and why not create your own masterpiece inspired by our collections. Includes hands on activities for children and adults. Contact the Archive and Local History team at the John Gray Centre for a full programme: T: 01620 820695 E: [email protected]

Saturday, September 2 2017, 11 am

Get into Thomson 1 Moray Place

Venue: 1 Moray Place, Glasgow

The Alexander Thomson Society have organised a series of special Thomson residential openings during the first two weekends in September 2017, as part of the ongoing events celebrating Alexander Thomson’s Bicentenary. This has been made possible due the generosity of the owners of the houses involved as listed below. 1 Moray Place 1859-61 (Saturday 2nd, Sunday 10th) Alexander Thomson’s former home, the first house in an exceptional terrace with a revealed painted decorative scheme. Please note only booked visitors will be allowed into the houses and we would request that people arrive promptly to allow the visits to begin at the times indicated (12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm for each property). Each visit will last slightly less than 1 hour. If you book and are unable to attend it would be very helpful to let Eventbrite know this, to allow your place to be booked by someone else, as the numbers are restricted. Should you wish any further information please contact the Society at info@alexanderthomsonsociety. Booking for all properties opens at 11am Sunday 27 August 2017, tickets will then become available to the general public from 6pm Monday 28 August 2017.

Saturday, September 2 2017, 11 am

Get into Thomson 7 Walmer Crescent

Venue: 7 Walmer Crescent, Glasgow

The Alexander Thomson Society have organised a series of special Thomson residential openings during the first two weekends in September 2017, as part of the ongoing events celebrating Alexander Thomson’s Bicentenary. This has been made possible due the generosity of the owners of the houses involved as listed below. 7 Walmer Crescent 1857-62 (Saturday 2nd) Thomson’s fine crescent composed of straight elements with minimal decorative elements, built for John Hood. Please note only booked visitors will be allowed into the houses and we would request that people arrive promptly to allow the visits to begin at the times indicated (12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm for each property). Each visit will last slightly less than 1 hour. If you book and are unable to attend it would be very helpful to let Eventbrite know this, to allow your place to be booked by someone else, as the numbers are restricted. Should you wish any further information please contact the Society at info@alexanderthomsonsociety. Booking for all properties opens at 11am Sunday 27 August 2017, tickets will then become available to the general public from 6pm Monday 28 August 2017.

Saturday, September 2 2017, 11 am - 3 pm

The Wonders of Whitehill: Searching for Newhailes' Lost Garden

Venue: Newhailes House, Musselburgh

Get involved in our big dig! As part of Archaeology Month, we will be seeking to unearth the lost garden of Newhailes, originally named Whitehill, before the arrival of the Dalrymple family and establishment of the current estate landscaping. Newhailes' former garden design is now hidden under the surface. What survives is simply waiting to be discovered! Located on the front lawn of Newhailes House, join our expert team for a weekend of excavation and start digging up the past! Speak with our experts and find out what we discover. No experience necessary, open to all ages and abilities. All tools will be provided. Please don't forget to wear warm, outdoor clothing and suitable footwear for digging. Dates: Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September Time: 11:00 - 15:00 Adult: £4.00 Child: £2:00 Concession: £2.00 Family: £10.00 (2 adults, 2 children)

Saturday, September 2 2017, 11 am - 5 pm

Hospitalfield Autumn Season Open Weekend

Venue: Hospitalfield House, Westway, Arbroath, DD11 2NH

Explore the house and grounds, take a tour, listen to a talk at Hospitalfield. Come and spend the day at Hospitalfield this autumn in a special weekend event programmed to coincide with Angus Heritage Week and Doors Open week. This weekend includes a presentation of the artist Hiwa-K's work and is an excellent opportunity to explore the house, sign up for a workshop, listen to a talk, join a tour and have lunch in our cafe. The events programme will include talks, workshops and presentations of artists’ work – the new exhibition will continue until later in September.

Saturday, September 2 2017, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm

Secrets of Melrose Abbey Museum

Venue: Melrose Abbey

The tour is around half an hour and gives a brief history about the Commentator’s house and then proceeds through the building stopping to look and discuss various artefacts. There are green men, piss pots, inkwells, posset pots, spectacles, heart caskets and much more to be seen. Tours on 2 and 23 September are part of Borders Heritage Festival Included in the normal admission price, but booking is essential. Please call to book. Dogs are permitted at Melrose Abbey, but not within the museum where these tours are delivered (the exception to this is assistance dogs).

Saturday, September 2 2017, 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm

Secrets of Melrose Abbey Tour

Venue: Melrose Abbey

Entry £6 adult, £3.60 child, £4.80 concession, Free for Historic Scotland members Join us on a guided tour that will give you a brief history about the Commentator’s house and then proceed through the building stopping to look and discuss various artefacts. There are green men, piss pots, inkwells, posset pots, spectacles, heart caskets and much more to be seen. www.historicenvironment.scot/melrose-abbey

Saturday, September 2 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm

Schiltron - 16th century/renaissance

Venue: Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh castle is steeped in war. Troops loyal to James V's widow, Marie de Guise held it during the English invasion of the Rough Wooing in 1544, as well as the attacks by the Lords of the Congregation which took place during the reformation in 1560. Throughout the Marian Civil War, following Mary Queen of Scots forced abdication, it was held by her supporters during the “Lang siege” of 1573. Come and see how the Scots of this era fought with pikes in schiltrons and have a go yourself. An event for the whole family to get involved in and enjoy. Included in the normal admission price

Saturday, September 2 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm

For his most Britannic Majesty!

Venue: Doune Castle

During the Jacobite Rising of 1745 both sides were frantically recruiting soldiers. Meet a soldier of His Majesty’s army and attend a recruitment session, preparing to fight the rebels! Included in normal admission price.

Saturday, September 2 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm

Siege on the Forth

Venue: Blackness Castle

Discover more about Blackness Castle, which guards the Firth of Forth. Join us and Inner Forth Festival as we recreate the rich history of the ship that never sailed. From epic battles and encampments to bird watching from the battlements where you’ll discover more about the ecology of this beautiful place. This event is included in the Blackness Castle admission price.

Saturday, September 2 2017, 12.30 pm

Belter Blethers: Local Voices

Steve Byrne

Venue: George Johnston Centre, Tranent

Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society

Steve Byrne of Local Voices will talk about recording the voices of Tranent folk with a view to starting up a small sound archive project to explore your heritage. The project will be looking for volunteers who themselves could be trained to record the oral history of their fellow Belters.

Saturday, September 2 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm

Tackling your brick wall

Mary Evans

Venue: Elgin Library, Cooper Park, Elgin, IV30 1HS

Saturday, September 2 2017, 5.30 pm

Riddell Tower

Venue: Riddell Tower, Riddell Estate, Lilliesleaf, Melrose TD6 9JP

Lanarkshire Family History Society

17.30 Illustrated Talk by Alison Martin in Old Laundry House at Riddell – spaces limited 18.30 Guided Walk from Old Laundry House to Tower followed by performance from Riddell Fiddles and a Norman Feast. Riddell Tower, Riddell Estate, Lilliesleaf, Melrose TD6 9JP Entry £13.50 adult, £7 child Norman feast, music from Riddell Fiddles, talk by Alison Martin in Old Laundry House. Come and join us for a magical evening of illuminating surprises at Riddell! A guided stroll through nine centuries of Riddell History will follow an illustrated talk by Alison Martin about her family firm of masons, responsible for many Borders stone carvings and memorials. Some of these you will see as you walk through the Wild Garden from the Mansion House Ruins to the Mausoleum, the General’s Tower and the 12th Century Motte and Bailey Fort of the de Ridale family. A live performance from the Riddell Fiddles together with other attractions will await you at the Fort. The brave will have a chance to test their nerve as they climb the spiral staircase to the top of the 100ft Tower! A Norman Feast of a Hog Roast is included in the ticket price. The evening will culminate in a Torchlight procession back to Riddell House. Spaces very limited, with any profits split between Lilliesleaf School and Liliesleaf Farm Museum, Johannesburg. Tickets: www.borderevents.com www.riddellestate.co.uk

Saturday, September 2 2017, 9.30 am - 4.30 pm

Local and Family History Show 2017

Venue: Motherwell Concert Hall, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell, ML1 1AB

Entry £2, talks £4. http://lfhsshow.weebly.com/

Sunday, September 3 2017, 1 pm - 3.30 pm

Celtic Crag

Venue: Holyrood Park

Join a Ranger for a guided walk, where we'll delve into the Park's rich Celtic past to uncover the reality behind the myths. Discover the story of the Park’s history from the Stone Age right up to the present day. Free, booking essential

Sunday, September 3 2017, 1 pm - 5 pm

Dreel Halls/St Nicholas Tower

Venue: Dreel Halls/St Nicholas Tower, High Street West, Anstruther, KY10 3DJ

Fife Doors Open Day

Take a tour of the 16th century Category A listed St Nicholas tower (part of the Dreel Halls complex) and, weather permitting, step out onto the parapet for stunning views over Anstruther and out to the Isle of May.

Sunday, September 3 2017, 10 am - 3.30 pm

The Heritage of the Galawater Valley - Heriot Church

Venue: Heriot Church, Heriot, EH38 5YE

Sunday, September 3 2017, 10 am - 5 pm

An Exhibition of Monifeith's Archaeology

Venue: House of Memories, Monifieth

Sunday, September 3 2017, 10.15 am

Isle of May Lighthouses

Venue: Anstruther Harbour

Fife Doors Open Day

Staff from Scottish Natural Heritage will be on hand to show you the full range of the island’s unique facilities. Discover how, besides its deep religious heritage and its marine wildlife, the Isle of May is unique in spanning the whole history of light houses around Scotland. NOTE: The Ferry is not part of the free element of Doors Open Day Adults £26.00; Child from 3-16 years £13.00; Concessions: Retired/ Students £23.00; Children under 3 free. Book online: www.anstrutherpleasurecruises.co.uk or call 07957585200

Sunday, September 3 2017, 11 am

Get into Thomson Holmwood

Venue: Holmwood, Glasgow

The Alexander Thomson Society have organised a series of special Thomson residential openings during the first two weekends in September 2017, as part of the ongoing events celebrating Alexander Thomson’s Bicentenary. This has been made possible due the generosity of the owners of the houses involved as listed below. Holmwood 1857-58 (Sunday 3rd) Thomson’s fine villa for James Couper of Cathcart now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, with newly reinstated painted decorative scheme in the Dining Room and Hall. Please note only booked visitors will be allowed into the houses and we would request that people arrive promptly to allow the visits to begin at the times indicated (12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm for each property). Each visit will last slightly less than 1 hour. If you book and are unable to attend it would be very helpful to let Eventbrite know this, to allow your place to be booked by someone else, as the numbers are restricted. Should you wish any further information please contact the Society at info@alexanderthomsonsociety. Booking for all properties opens at 11am Sunday 27 August 2017, tickets will then become available to the general public from 6pm Monday 28 August 2017.

Sunday, September 3 2017, 11 am - 3 pm

The Wonders of Whitehill: Searching for Newhailes' Lost Garden

Venue: Newhailes House, Musselburgh

Sunday, September 3 2017, 11 am - 5 pm

Hospitalfield Autumn Season Open Weekend

Venue: Hospitalfield House, Westway, Arbroath, DD11 2NH

Sunday, September 3 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm

Schiltron - 16th century/renaissance

Venue: Edinburgh Castle

Sunday, September 3 2017, 12 pm

The Road to Pinkie 2

Venue: Eyemouth Fort, Eyemouth TD14 5BE

Entry Free The Road to Pinkie #2 begins in Eyemouth centre with a reading of Somerset’s Proclamation to the People of Scotland followed by a short stroll along the coastal path to the fort for skirmishes and living history displays. An exhibition and video presentation will be housed in the adjoining holiday park and VR display is available at Eyemouth Museum. Refreshments and facilities served at the adjoining holiday park. A ships lantern will be housed on the site of the fort for three nights. The Lothian Levy will return to Eyemouth Fort the following week to begin a force march in The Road to Pinkie – see 7 September listing www.eyemouthmuseum.co.uk

Sunday, September 3 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm

Encampment! East Lothian Military History Day

Venue: Prestongrange Museum, Morison's Haven, Prestonpans, East Lothian, EH32 9RX

Step into recreated military camps, try hands on activities for families including archery and themed face painting. Meet Romans, Jacobites and World War One soldiers, plus lots more to be seen on this time travelling day of military history. No booking required; drop-in event. Cost: Recommended £2 donation per family/group

Sunday, September 3 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm

Siege on the Forth

Venue: Blackness Castle

Sunday, September 3 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm

The Bonnie Prince!

Venue: Doune Castle

During the Jacobite Rising of 1745 both sides were frantically recruiting soldiers. Meet a Highland soldier of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army and prepare to fight for the rightful king of Britain! Included in the normal admission price.

Sunday, September 3 2017, 2 pm

The Frasers in Exile

Graham McNicol

Venue: Hospitalfield House, Westway, Arbroath, DD11 2NH

Part of Hospitalfield's TRADE Autumn Season open weekend events, this talk is by Graham McNicol who has been a volunteer researcher and tour guide at Hospitalfield House for seven years. The presentation will describe the evidence we have about the lives of Elizabeth Fraser senior and Junior; the two Elizas, when they fled from Hospitalfield House to Elizabeth Senior's brother's home in Warwickshire after her husband John Fraser died. The two women did not feel safe at Hospitalfield House, which was in the control of the trust. This talk is followed by a walk to and tour of the Mortuary Chapel built by Patrick Allan Fraser. Booking for both events is essential.

Sunday, September 3 2017, 2 pm - 3 pm

Hailes Castle Knights’ Tour

Venue: Hailes Castle

A Douglas Man at Arms and a Hepburn knight will lead this guided tour of Hailes Castle. Hear stories of the siege by Hotspur Percy and the rebel Scots Lord Dunbar Earl of March. There is limited parking at the Castle, but it is accessible by footpath along the river from East Linton, a pleasant 1.5 miles walk. For more information visit www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-aplace/places/hailes-castle or email [email protected] FREE. Booking required.

Sunday, September 3 2017, 2 pm - 3.30 pm

Loretto School: Pinkie House and the Chapel

Venue: Loretto School, Musselburgh

The tour will include the exterior and interior of Pinkie House, with its fine grounds, plaster ceilings and painted gallery and the interior of Loretto Chapel, with its fine organ, memorials and large stained glass windows. The tour is provided by Musselburgh Conservation Society. Suitable for families, although not recommended for small children. FREE. Booking required.

Sunday, September 3 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm

A Walk Around Medieval Dirleton

This walk will explore the remaining evidence of how Dirleton was established and evolved. A handout showing old maps and plans will be used to help bring the past into focus. Input from participants will be encouraged. This event is provided by Gullane and Dirleton History Society. The walk will be on pavements and mown grassland. Suitable for families, although not recommended for small children. FREE. Booking required.

Sunday, September 3 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm

Stobs Camp Tour & Living History

Venue: Stobs Camp, 4 miles south of Hawick. Meet at the car park area, TD9 9UQ (nearest)

Entry Free. Booking required – limited spaces Stobs Camp Tour & Living History. Step back in time to the early 20th century and join Andrew Jepson, Archaeology Scotland’s Stobs Camp Project Officer, as he explores this internationally important First World War site. Hear about the early days of the training camp and visit the practice trenches. Then enter the PoW camp, see the barrack hut and discover what life was like for prisoners 100 years ago. Visit the former cemetery where 46 PoWs were buried and hear about recent excavations. Before leaving enter the bell tent to see artefacts and clothing and chat to the Living History Group ‘Scots in the Great War’. This tour takes place outdoors and will entail walking over uneven ground at times. Stout footwear and outdoor clothing advised. www.stobscamp.org

Sunday, September 3 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm

The Trees of Dryburgh Abbey

Venue: Dryburgh Abbey

Take a guided tour around the beautiful ruins of the abbey and learn about the history, trees and parkland that surround this medieval ruin by the River Tweed. This tour is included in the Dryburgh Abbey admission price. No booking in advance is required.

Sunday, September 3 2017, 2.30 pm - 3.40 pm

Mortuary Chapel Walk & Tour

Venue: Hospitalfield House, Westway, Arbroath, DD11 2NH

During Hospitalfield's TRADE Autumn Season open weekend. take the chance to follow a facilitated walk past several buildings made by Patrick and Elizabeth Allan Fraser, Hospitalfield's last owners, including The Steadings and North Lodge, which concludes at the Mortuary Chapel built as a memorial to Elizabeth Allan Fraser following her death in 1873. 14.30 Departure on foot from Hospitalfield House, route along Westway, past The Steadings, North Lodge, along Arbirlot Road West and East Muirlands Road. 15.10 Arrival at the Mortuary Chapel in Western Cemetery and commencement of Tour (if you are just joining for the tour you can arrive for this time). 15.40 End of visit to Mortuary Chapel. The extraordinary Mortuary Chapel was built by Patrick Allan Fraser after Elizabeth Allan Fraser’s death in 1973, with many of the stone carvers who had worked on Hospitalfield House. Patrick Allan Fraser later gifted it to the people of Arbroath as a non-denominational chapel. During the walk you will hear about the history of the buildings en route. Once at the Mortuary Chapel you will hear about the making of the building and have a chance to explore. You have the option here to book for the walk and Mortuary Chapel tour or just for the Mortuary Chapel tour. Places on both are limited, so booking is essential. The walk is approximately 30 minutes long and will leave from the front door of Hospitalfield House. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. The Mortuary Chapel can be viewed from the ground floor but also has steep, spiral stairs to the higher levels. For safety numbers are limited when accessing the higher levels and we ask you to be very careful when navigating the stairs and balconies. This walk is part of the Meander project initiated by Hospitalfield.

Sunday, September 3 2017, 6 pm

Thirlestane Castle And The Man Who Ruled Scotland

Venue: Thirlestane Castle, Lauder TD2 6RU