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Drumlanrig Makes Shortlist
6 September 2010
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate are thrilled to be shortlisted as one of three finalists in the prestigious VisitScotland Scottish Thistle Awards in the Heritage Experience category. This worthy prize recognises and celebrates excellence in Scottish Tourism and to win a Thistle Award is the ultimate accolade for excellence in the tourism industry.
Read more about Drumlanrig and the Thistle Award here.
A Peach of a Night!
2 September 2010
The Illyria Theatre Group returned to Drumlanrig's Oval Lawn on Tuesday night to perform their wonderfully professional and witty open air production of Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach to an audience of over 200 adults and children (surprisingly, more adults than children!).
What a fantastic story! And production! The props were simple yet highly imaginative. The cast of six brought all the characters to life. The character of Aunt Sponge also played Ladybird, her expressions at each twist of the tale a real hoot, and the actions of Earthworm when asked to “act tasty” in order to entice the seagulls had the audience in stitches every time.
Everyone had an excellent time, and with the backdrop of the Castle and the fabulous weather, it was truly magical.
A Step back in Time
2 September 2010
Visitors and staff alike thoroughly enjoyed themselves at Drumlanrig's themed Victorian Day on 28th August. Staff looked resplendent in Victorian costumes and even a few visitors donned suitable dress for the day.
Along with Jason and his ever-popular Punch & Judy show, there was lemonade making, peg doll making, a 'Strong Man', horse and side saddle displays, croquet on the lawn, quoits, gird and cleek, badminton and Victorian themed ranger activities, all enjoyed by all ages. Traditional music was played by an old-time barrel organ in the Stableyard and the Sanquhar Silver Band entertained the crowds with popular tunes.
The weather was excellent adding to everyone's enjoyment and Border Television was there to record the event - you might even see yourself on TV this week.
Here's to the next time!
A Heartful of History
5 August 2010
Sunday 1st of August went off with a bang when the Good Sir James visited Drumlanrig Castle during our History in Your Heart themed day. He remembered how times were many, many years ago when the Castle was a thriving, bustling home with many a tale to tell.
The race between Kirkpatrick Macmillan on his old 'bone shaker' and the Frenchman, Pierre Michaux, was a real sight for sore eyes thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd of onlookers - we are sure local boy Macmillan would have won had his pedal not fallen off!!
The very popular Birds of Prey demonstration gave the crowds a real treat by entertaining them for longer, and Have-a-Go Archery threw up some real experts with FIVE bullseyes in total. Well done to those who took part and proved their skill.
We can't wait now for Victorian Day on 28 August which promises to be a whole lot of fun - especially for the staff who get to dress up for the day!! See you then.
Fun with Face Painting
5 August 2010
Kate Young discovered a talent for face painting when her nephews were younger - one way to keep them amused. She is now using her skills at the Gardens kiosk, Thursday - Monday until the end of the season, offering face painting at a cost of £2 per face. Why not stalk the gardens as a fierce tiger or flutter among Robbie's flowers as a pretty butterfly. You could even pretend to be a pirate with the Adventure Playground as your treasure island. Choose from Kate's designs or why not suggest your own. No good day out during the school holidays is complete without a 'fun' face.
Drumlanrig Joins Facebook!
2 August 2010
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate have now joined social networking site, Facebook and look forward to hearing your comments. Follow us on Facebook and be kept up-to-date with everything going on at the Castle with the click of a button. To view our page and follow us regularly click onto Facebook here.
Pride and Prejudice...and a whole lot of fun!
29 July 2010
A fabulous evening took place last night on the oval lawn in front of Drumlanrig Castle when the Illyria theatre group treated an audience of over 250 to a brilliant open-air production of Jane Austin's classic and witty Pride and Prejudice. Even the leaden skies and hint of rain at one point did nothing to curb the enthusiasm of both cast and spectators and once the sun broke through there was no stopping the myrth. The cast of 6 managed all the different characters with amazing aplomb, changing from one to another with incredible ease, girls playing guys, guys playing girls (or even a horse), and the dashing Mr Darcy morphing into the slimy Mr Collins.
This came hot on the heels of an equally excellent, if rather more serious, Romeo and Juliet earlier the month and is to be followed by James and the Giant Peach on 31st August which promises to be great fun for all - adults do not require to be accompanied by a child! Not to be missed so see you then.
Also ... New Postcards for Sale
8 July 2010
Also, newly arrived at the Gift Shop at Drumlanrig are a series of brand 10 new postcards depicting all aspects of the Castle including beautiful new views of the Castle itself, its rooms, items of furniture and wonderful works of Art.
These stunning photos have been captured by photographer Fritz von der Schulenburg and are perfect for sending to family and friends during your visit or to keep as a fond souvenir of your time at Drumlanrig.
The Castle, its people and its Paintings
8 July 2010
Fantastic news! A new book on Drumlanrig Castle has been put together to honour the memory of John, 9th Duke of Buccleuch and 11th Duke of Queensberry KT who sadly died in 2007.
The book is introduced by the 10th Duke with text by John Montagu Douglas Scott and superb photographs by professional photographer Fritz von der Schulenburg.
The book, which looks at this majestic 17th Century Castle, the people linked with it through the centuries and the marvellous works of art on display, encompasses 108 pages in full colour and is priced at £10.95.
As a special offer for this season only and to celebrate its publication, there will be £1.50 off the price with each house tour ticket purchased. Season ticket holders are offered the discounted price of £7.95.
The book is available from the Gift Shops at Drumlanrig Castle, Bowhill are Boughton House. A must-have purchase!
Nature for all at Morton Castle
22 June 2010
Over the bitterly cold winter a new and exciting project took place at Morton Castle. This involved reinstating natural habitats in this wonderful landscape, with the intention of improving the diverse wildlife and making in this beautiful area accessible for all.
With the ruin of Morton Castle, ancient stronghold of the Douglases, as a backdrop, there are eight information boards dotted along this brand new nature walk, ranging from wildlife, history and the land uses of bygone days. Half way along the walk there is an option of either walking on the flat back towards the road, or, for the more adventurous, you can climb to the top of Morton Mains Hill for one of the most stunning views of the Nithsdale valley and beyond.
Enjoy!
Country Estate Leaflets now available
9 June 2010
Our Rangers have been busy over the winter months designing our new and exciting information leaflets which are now ready and available for purchase at the Visitor Centre for the princely sum of £1 each. These are full of helpful facts on how to get around the Country Estate and cover Cycle Routes, Mountain Bike Trails, Walks and the Tree Trail.
Don't forget to pick up a copy on your next visit. Once purchased, you will be able to use these time and time again.
Drumlanrig's Garden is Blooming
9 June 2010
The Gardens at Drumlanrig are now bursting forth with colour, not least in the Rock Garden which has been re-established over the last few years. The scented Ghent azaleas are now in bloom along with other hybrids and you can now rest and enjoy this beautiful area from the new seat which has been placed there in memory of William Chrystie, son of one of the Gardens team.
The vegetable garden at the Plant Centre has now been planted and growing well, brightened up with some colourful taggetes and nasturtiums to ward off carrot fly.
Bedding plants are still available at the Plant Centre so don't miss out. When they are gone, they're gone!
Around Drumlanrig in May
19 May 2010
Visitors to the Drumlanrig Visitor Centre can now watch the 'Turret Cam' and marvel at our jackdaw chicks who arrived in early May.
You may also be lucky enough to see our Greylag goslings on Coldstream Loch, and young squirrels (or kittens as they are known) can be found throughout the woodland - if you have a keen eye!
Also in the woods, bluebells are now starting to flower, as are water avens and lesser celandine. The Bluebell Woods at Drumlanrig are a popular landscape for local artists to paint and can be found in many an artwork exhibition.
Themed Weekends from the Drumlanrig kitchen
18 May 2010
Chef Paul would like to thank all his customers for supporting the extremely successful "Taste of Italy" weekend at Drumlanrig Tearoom last weekend. He would also like to apologise to all those who were disappointed - due to the high volume of bookings, we were unable to accommodate everyone.
Please keep an eye on this website for future themed weekends. Paul is now planning a "Taste of France" and the date will be posted shortly.
Buon Appetito!
14 May 2010
This weekend (14-16 May), Drumlanrig's new chef, Paul Clark, is serving up some delicious Italian delights on his Taste of Italy weekend. From Crostini Cotto to Vitello Saltimbocco (literally "jump in the mouth" because it is so good) your tastebuds cannot help being tickled. A delight not to be missed - but better make a reservation to avoid disappointment.
Paul originally hails from Ayrshire and learned his culinary skills in some of the best restaurants in the region - Marine Hotel and the Adesso, both Royal Troon, and the Parkstone in Prestwick. He specialises in fish and game and his aim is to win awards for the Castle with his cooking skills. His plan for Drumlanrig in the future is to set up a cooking school and offer demonstration nights with game produce, "from the field to the plate".
Watch this space!
Buccleuch Expertise Across the Pond
11 May 2010
David Lisett, the Buccleuch Gundog Trainer/Handler here at Drumlanrig has the distinction of being multiple award winner at the UK/Irish Spaniel championships and is often asked to lead seminars around Britain and beyond. Over the coming few days (14-16 May 2010) David is heading off to the Windrift Kennels at Cochranton, Pennsylvania to hold a Spaniel Training Clinic for pups and dogs, novice to advanced standard. Handlers of all levels of experience are encouraged to attend and there will be one-on-one work with each dog. So far 15 handlers have signed up with their dogs along with several spectators hoping to pick up a hint or two.
Well done Rolf and Richard!
4 May 2010
Saturday saw the annual biking Tearfund Charity Challenge starting at Drumlanrig Castle and taking in the amazing and extremely challenging Nithsdale landscape, through Mennock Pass and Wanlockhead, anything from 43 up to a serious 104 miles. This is organised on a yearly basis by Rolf Buwert who has a studio called Created Woodcrafts in Drumlanrig Stableyard selling his own woodturning products as well as Created (formerly Tearcraft) items.
Our very own Head Ranger, Richard Riley, managed to complete a fantastic 66 miles. A great feat by any standards.
A fantastic holiday weekend ...
4 May 2010
Our Bank Holiday weekend of fun and frolics for all the family went with a bang. It was Frontline Falconry's first time at Drumlanrig this Sunday, performing a thrilling flying demonstration using a variety of magnificent birds of prey. There was the opportunity, too, to see these marvellous creatures up close and on display in the tennis court.
80 people took up the invitation to 'have a go' at Archery target practice, thoroughly enjoying the experience if not always too successful.
Drumlanrig also turned into the Forest of Ghuillie Dhu when Gerry and his six special forest creature friends explained the importance of caring for our woodlands and our environment in a fun-filled and engaging puppet show.
A fabulous feast of entertainment - look out for the next one! Meantime check out our Children's Activity weekends and don't forget to look through our Events while planning your visit to Drumlanrig.
Spring has definitely sprung!
27 April 2010
When you drive (or cycle or walk) through the Estate on your way to Drumlanrig Castle, you can't help but notice the numbers of newborn spring lambs gamboling over the policy. Drew Guthrie of our Farming Department, has reported that they have now been able to take off their little plastic coats with the improved temperatures and drier weather. Visitors are often curious about the coats, which have proved a life-saver in the recent very cold and wet weather but which has often proved fatal in the past. Hopefully the numbers of lambs will be up on previous years.
“So much more than a country park"
25 March 2010
The team at Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate are looking forward to tomorrow (Friday 26th March) with much anticipation as this sees Drumlanrig re-open for the 2010 season.
Having recently been named Scotland’s Best Country Park in Pete Irvine’s latest edition of Scotland the Best and listed as one of the best ‘Days out for Kids’ in South West Scotland, we are extremely excited about the forthcoming season.
Within his guidebook, Pete Irvine described Drumlanrig as being “much more than merely a country park". And with a quick glance at either our brochure or website, it is certainly clear that the 2010 season promises visitors much more than ‘merely a country park’.
Beyond the Castle are over 40 acres of enchanting gardens and a wide range of activities for all the family including walking, mountain biking, the adventure playground, wildlife watching, the Scottish Cycle Museum, Landrover tours, Ranger-led walks, local shopping, a varied events programme, monthly Farmers’ Markets, our own Chef, home made baking and more!
On the subject of Farmers’ Markets, Sunday 28th March sees Drumlanrig’s first Farmers' Market of the season. The truly traditional Farmers’ Market takes place in the stableyard and features a wide range of stalls selling locally grown goods from local fudge to organic beef, homegrown herbs to artisan breads, organic soaps and shampoos to luxury sweets and chocolates. Whilst adults fill up their tote on the finest of local fayre, children will be kept amused with entertainment from Jason the Juggling Jester.
Rik's Bike Shed and Snack Bar
22 February 2010
Rik's Bike Shed and the excellent mountain bike trails here at Drumlanrig are open for business once again following the wet, wintry weather in January. Looking out now at the glorious sunshine, it is hard to believe just how snowed-under we were so it is time now to dust down those bikes, blow the cobwebs away and get biking again on our championship trails.
Rik will be open 11 am - 4 pm, Saturdays and Sundays until 26th March when our summer season begins and normal opening hours prevail.
The Stableyard Cafe, too, has moved back to its usual premises in the Stableyard and continues to be open for business at weekends 10 am - 5 pm. Normal opening will resume on 26th March.
Don't forget to check out our up-and-coming events.
Winter Opening
25 January 2010
Our way-marked walking and cycle paths remain open throughout the winter months but unfortunately the severe winter weather of late has taken its toll and left them difficult to access. Consequently, Rik's Bike Shed will remain closed for the time being - please check Rik's page or this blog to find out when the Bike Shed will re-open.
The Stableyard Cafe remains open to visitors at weekends throughout the winter period but is currently based at Foodmakr (Studio 5 in the Stableyard) for the time being, rather than the normal Cafe premises. Foodmakr will be open for business from 10 am - 5 pm and Maureen will be offering her usual tempting treats to keep you warm on a cold day.
Remember to have a look at our Events for 2010 which are expanding all the time. There is sure to be something to suit everyone, whatever your interests. Keep checking - you don't want to miss anything!
Happy New year to all our Visitors
11 January 2010
Well, it is the start of another year and what a start! With the country swathed in a blanket of snow, Drumlanrig has been no exception with some of the most beautiful, sparkling white scenery to be found. With the stunning, picturesque, winter landscape and prolonged wintry snow, however, comes difficulties for the local fauna as well as our visitors. Please note, Rik's Bike Shed has had to close its doors for the time being until the cycle tracks become accessible again. Be sure and keep your eye on the website to see when the situation changes.
However, on a brighter note we have a thrilling programme of events planned for this year - something for everyone. Check out our Events list on a regular basis to make sure you do not miss out. More and more exciting activities will be added as time goes by.
Archive 2009
By Eskdale Solutions