20 May 2009

Media Releases

The Stanley Mills water mills complex has picked up its fourth conservation accolade in a matter of weeks. Historic Scotland staff are delighted to have been honoured with the highly prestigious Museum and Heritage Award for Restoration/Conservation. The UK-wide Museums and Heritage Awards for Excellence celebrate the wealth of expertise and innovation in the industry. They spotlight the exceptional work that goes into creating world-class visitor attractions, providing recognition for operators and suppliers.

18 May 2009

Media Releases

First let me thank Archaeology Scotland and East Lothian Council for inviting me, and say how disappointed I am not to be able to join you today at Queen Margaret University this weekend. Your topic is one in which I have been interested for a long time – certainly long before taking over this present portfolio. We all agree that archaeology has a huge amount to contribute to investigating, understanding and celebrating Scotland.

18 May 2009

Media Releases

A pilot project at Seton Collegiate Church means visitors can now get a clearer idea of what the historic building was like in its heyday. Information panels have been installed to explain the past uses of some of the fascinating Medieval carved and moulded stones on display in the church. Among them are surviving fragments of window tracery and water spouts which were important features of the church before it fell into ruin. There are also funerary items, like tomb slabs.

18 May 2009

Media Releases

Specially-made replicas of the first type of firearms to be used in Scotland will be fired as part of Party at the Palace 1503. Hugh Robertson, from Kilmarnock, who runs the Fire and Sword re-enactment group, will show visitors how the early matchlock muskets worked during the two day event at Linlithgow Palace on 23 and 24 May. Mr Robertson, will also be taking on the role of George, Master of Angus, one of the leading noblemen in the Scottish court.

12 May 2009

Media Releases

The second annual Festival of the River at Stanley Mills will be opened by special guest, the Scottish Government Finance Minister John Swinney. The North Tayside MSP said he is delighted to be taking part in the community festival which takes place between noon and 4pm on Sunday, 17 May. Visitors will also be able to enjoy free entry to Historic Scotland’s Stanley Mills visitor centre which is housed in the 18th-century water mill complex beside the river.