29 October 2009

Media Releases

The history of Kirkintilloch can be traced back to the Roman invasion and a new book looks at how it has evolved over the centuries. Historic Kirkintilloch: Archaeology and Development is the latest in the Scottish Burgh Surveys produced by Historic Scotland and the Council for British Archaeology. Authors Martin Rorke, Patricia Dennison, Simon Stronach and Russel Coleman look at a range of historic remains that is rare among Scotland’s towns. Patricia Dennison said: “As one of the authors, I would like to express my appreciation of the welcome received from the people of Kirkintilloch. Our research was helped greatly by the assistance of Don Martin and staff at the William Patrick Library and by Morag Cross, and it was so willingly given. “Kirkintilloch is fortunate in the preservation of many old and interesting features and transport links. I hope that this Burgh Survey will help to continue their conservation.”

28 October 2009

Media Releases

Ninety years ago this November the nation marked the first anniversary of the end of the Great War in which 150,000 Scots had died. On the weekend of 7 and 8 November, visitors to Edinburgh Castle will be able to meet costumed performers and find out more about life at the end of the First World War and in its immediate aftermath. They will also be able to see original objects, paperwork, medals and memorabilia which give insights into lives of troops during the conflict. An expert will also be present to help people doing research into ancestors who served in the First World War.

27 October 2009

Media Releases

Repairing and maintaining Scotland’s historic churches and places of worship often requires traditional skills and materials. A new CD Rom produced by Historic Scotland will give advice on a range of building techniques to guide this vital work. Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution Michael Russell today (Tuesday) joined church leaders to launch the new resource. Speaking at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh, the Minister said: “In most communities across Scotland, church buildings and places of worship are likely to be amongst the oldest and most historic structures in the entire area - and often the best loved too."

26 October 2009

Media Releases

One of the boats which ferries visitors across the waters to Lochleven Castle now proudly bears the name “Mary’s Spirit” thanks to local schoolgirl Rosie Cormack. Earlier this year the 10-year-old won a competition in which Kinross Primary School pupils were invited to come up with a name for the vessel. There were lots of excellent entries, but Rosie’s was the winner because it captured the romance of the castle and its links to Mary, Queen of Scots. Now the name has been painted on the side of the boat and a little plaque has been fixed inside which commemorates the competition – and its winner, who was nine at the time.

23 October 2009

Media Releases

Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell, visited the former Kirk and castle to officially unveil banners encouraging people to become part of the ambitious heritage project. The Minister said: “Pitsligo Castle was once one of the finest residences in the north-east and the campaign to consolidate this monument is intended to give students and visitors greater access and a better understanding of this impressive ruin and its fascinating story. This partnered with the proposals for the former Parish Kirk shall create a facility which can assist in regenerating the economy in this part of Aberdeenshire. “The Pitsligo Castle Trust and the Friends of Pitsligo Castle are doing a great job of generating interest and have already secured funding for the first phase of work from Historic Scotland and I am delighted to support them in their work."