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Dalgarno Singers lead Drumlanrig Castle Carols
12 December 2011
Christmas is coming at some speed and what better way to put you in the festive mood than singing carols in Drumlanrig Castle led by the wonderful Dalgarno Singers. This is exactly what 120 people experienced on Sunday night, 4 December, immediately following the Christmas Fair - and what a delight it was!
Within the splendid and sumptuous surroundings of the Castle dining room, the angelic voices of the Dalgarno Singers rang out with a selection of well-loved Christmas music, ably augmented on occasion by the audience which let rip with cheerful voice. Amusing readings with a Christmas message interspersed the song and were very well received, as were the warmed mince pies and mulled wine which brought the evening to close.
A lovely, warming Christmas celebration without a doubt.
Drumlanrig Christmas Fair
12 December 2011
What a wonderful weekend at the magical Drumlanrig Christmas Fair last weekend when over 30 producers and craftsmen displayed their foodie gifts, festive supplies and beautiful handmade crafts. And, of course, Santa Claus took time out from his very busy schedule to meet with lots of well-behaved girls and boys who took the opportunity to whisper what they wanted for Christmas.
Over 2000 visitors attended the fair and around 60 children created their own fabulous lanterns (under the watchful eye of the Rangers) for the children's parade which was led by Santa, Mary the Faerie and Sanquhar Silver Band. Steve Manion, Drumlanrig's Visitor Services Manager, welcomed everyone to the fair and introduced Ella Cavani, who was the deserving winner of the art competition. Ella switched on the Christmas tree lights in front of the Castle - well done Ella!
Can't wait till next year ...!
Great News
7 November 2011
Fantastic Outdoor Theatre Company, Illyria, will be returning to Drumlanrig next summer for another feast of thespian delights, in their own inimitable style. So what's on offer this time? As usual, they show their amazing versatility of style and acting ability by putting on their versions of Shakespeare's dramatic "Henry V", Roald Dahl's humerous "The Twits" and Gilbert & Sullivan's wonderfully entertaining "HMS Pinafore". A must for the new season. Check out Events on our website for further details once they become available.
Carols in the Castle
5 November 2011
The wonderful Dalgarno Singers will be leading a special Christmas celebration of Carols in the Castle this year on Sunday 4 December, 5 pm to 6.30 pm. You will soon be able to purchase tickets online so watch this space ...
Winter Opening
5 November 2011
Don't forget that while the Castle and Country Estate are formally closed for the season, we do offer winter opening hours for the Stableyard Cafe, Stableyard Studios, walks, MTB trails, cycling and bike hire.
The Stableyard Cafe will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 3.30 pm and Rik's Bike Shed will be available at the weekends at varying times over the winter period. Check his page to find out details. Some of the Stableyard Studios will also open for visits at varying times so do check these out too.
Do come along for your Drumlanrig fix and enjoy what's on offer over the winter. Remember, too, the Christmas Fair on 3rd and 4th December - don't miss it!
Christmas is Coming ...!
31 August 2011
I know, it still seems ages away but Christmas won't be long in coming around and that's why you need to put these very important dates for our Christmas Fairs in your diary now so you don't miss them. This year, Drumlanrig Castle will be holding its ever-popular traditional stableyard Christmas Fair over two days, 3 and 4 December with craft and food stalls, a visit from Santa Claus, musical entertainment, a Christmas carvery and many more exciting and seasonal elements.
In addition, Dalkeith Country Estate, outside Edinburgh, is also holding a traditional Christmas Fair on 26 and 27 November.
There's no reason why you can't go to both events as they will be great days out for all the family. And they will really put you in the Christmas mood. See you there ...
Fantastic Mr Fox
22 August 2011
Don't forget to come along to our final Illyria open-air theatre production of the season - Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr Fox - and if the last two productions (Twelfth Night and Pirates of Penzance) are anything to go by, you are well and truly in for a treat. This is a favourite of children and grown-ups of all ages, so if you don't have any children yourself, there is absolutely no need to borrow any. Roald Dahl's stories grow with you into adulthood and are enjoyed by everyone. See you there ...
What a Night ... !
22 August 2011
Illyria Open-air Theatre Group again did us proud on Tuesday night, 16 August, with their very excellent production of Pirates of Penzance. Following on from their equally successful Twelfth Night in July, well over 100 tickets were sold to an excited audience who thoroughly enjoyed the sheer professionalism of this extremely talented group. A handful of players, each taking on the various acting and singing roles, executed this very popular Gilbert & Sullivan classic with great aplomb, superb wit and amazing enthusiasm. Not least the pianist who played all evening with great gusto, remaining out of sight for the most part other than the odd cameo role including a very credible Queen Victoria who was 'very amused!' An excellent evening where the wine flowed, picnics enjoyed and laughter abounded. Well done!
Pirates of Penzance at Drumlanrig
15 August 2011
Don't forget to come along to our open-air theatre production of Pirates of Penzance on Tuesday 16 August - TOMORROW! This is one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most famous and most popular musicals. An excellent evening of fun for young and not so young! The play will take place on the fabulous oval lawn in front of Drumlanrig Castle and doors will open at 5 pm. Bring along your low back seating and picnic in readiness for the action starting at 6 pm.
Galloway Country Fair
15 August 2011
Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Get your tickets for the event of the season. The 10th Annual Galloway Country Fair will take place this Saturday and Sunday, 20 and 21 August in its new venue at Drumlanrig Castle. Online purchasing has now closed but you can still purchase tickets in advance by phoning 01848 331555 or pay at the door.
Don't miss it! This promises to be a fantastic event, fun for all the family.
Great News! More Online Purchasing
26 June 2011
You can now purchase our fantastic Drumlanrig Castle Book, "Drumlanrig - The Castle, its People and its Paintings", online either from Online Purchases or Brochure Request.
This beautiful, new, full-colour book has been put together to honour the memory of John, 9th Duke of Buccleuch and 11th Duke of Queensberry, KT.
It is introduced by the 10th Duke with content by John Montagu Douglas Scott and superb photographs by Fritz von der Schulenburg and looks at this majestic 17th Century Castle, the people linked with it through the centuries and the marvellous works of art on display.
Buy this wonderful book now at a cost of £10.95 plus p&p (dependent on area). And why not have a look at what other items you can purchase on our Online Purchases page?
An Alpine Climb?
1 June 2011
Pupils on the Rural Skills/Queensberry Initiative are also getting in on the creative act by building a new climbing wall in the Adventure Playground for 5/6 year olds, depicting an alpine scene. Ever fancied an alpine climb? Well now's the chance for all you 5/6 year olds out there - with a wee touch of imagination perhaps! The climbing wall is currently in production and should be in place shortly. Watch this space ...
All Things Bright and Beautiful ... at the Adventure Playground
31 May 2011
Ranger, Brian Hammond, thought the Drumlanrig Adventure Playground needed a bit of cheering up after the long, hard winter so he enlisted the help of local schools to paint brightly coloured scenes for the outside walls of the Fort tunnel. Pupils at Penpont, Closeburn, Moniaive and Wallace Hall Primary Schools have been busy producing eyecatching artwork panels which will be varnished and attached to the outside of the tunnel.
The first of the panels is now in place depicting a jungle scene by Penpont Primary. The rest will follow shortly and should be on show within the next couple of weeks. Come and have a look at what our talented youngsters have produced - something to make you smile!
Great News! Advance Tickets Online at last ...
18 May 2011
Drumlanrig Castle is thrilled now to be able to offer an online purchasing facility on our website for the convenience of our visitors. So far we have available for purchase in advance tickets for our fabulous Galloway Country Fair event to be held in August (advance ticket discount applies), all of our popular Outdoor Theatre productions and Season Tickets. It is hoped that we will expand this facility in the near future.
Why not have a look at how easy it is to purchase these tickets in advance on our Online Purchases page through our secure PayPal server.
Frolics Abundant at Drumlanrig
3 May 2011
After a super Easter weekend with both fantastic weather and fun-filled frolics, the Family May Bank Holiday weekend was no exception to family fun. Frontline Falconry, made a welcome return with both their static display and flying demonstration - a constant favourite with all our visitors. Not to mention all you Robin Hoods out there who are always keen to show off your skills with Have-a-Go Archery.
Daffy Dill joined us on the Monday with her amazing magic show and fabulous flea circus as well as her popular balloon sculpting skills and 'big bubble' - the size limited only by high winds.
Around every corner could be found monsters, spidermen, tigers and princesses - but don't worry, this was just the work of our regular face-painting artist!
And don't forget, there is another opportunity to enjoy this all over again at our next Family Weekend Extravaganza at the end of the month.
Those Marvellous Machines at Drumlanrig
4 April 2011
What an amazing day yesterday with 85 vintage and pre-war cars passing through the Drumlanrig Country Estate on their last leg of the Flying Scotsman rally. Between 10 am and 12 noon, the air was filled with the evocative and nostalgic aroma of high octane fuel as the cars parked around the Oval Lawn. What a sight to behold! After a well-earned break, they headed off at speed along the Marr Burn Road to carry out their manoeuvrability test before heading to Dalmahoy Country Club on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
With the dust just settling, the first Aston Martin arrived followed shortly by 29 others. Again, they parked around the Oval Lawn where excited spectators could view them up close - some lucky people even had a seat in a 3 day old handmade Aston Martin! Around 2 pm they departed for the Aston Hotel in Dumfries but not before being put through their paces along the Castle approach, thrilling the crowd as these marvellous machines left their mark and spectators' ears ringing with their high performance revs. A fabulous experience!
It's no April Fool ...
29 March 2011
... Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate does open on the 1st of April for the 2011 season - and what a season! All the usual favourites like the bike trails, woodland walks, adventure playground as well as loads of new and exciting things to do. Check out our Events so far - something for all the family and not to be missed! The Castle Shop has filled its shelves with new and attractive gifts to remind you of your visit, and, of course, all the yummy stuff on offer at the Tearoom and Stableyard Cafe for that pit stop to recharge your batteries.
April Antics at Drumlanrig
22 March 2011
What a fantastic start to the 2011 season at Drumlanrig! The Castle and Country Estate open on Friday 1 April and what a weekend to follow. On Sunday 3rd, not only do we have a special Mothers' Day Menu in the Tearoom, but the Rangers are looking at mothering skills amongst the many species of wildlife at Drumlanrig especially for Mothers' Day.
And to cap it all, also on Sunday 3rd, we will be having 75 vintage and pre-war cars attending at Drumlanrig for the Flying Scotsman Vintage Rally along with 25 Aston Martins and Ferraris.
Altogether an incredible start to an exciting season.
Mothers' Day Menu Special
10 March 2011
Chef Paul Clark has put together a delicious Mothers' Day Menu for that special Mum in your life on her special day. Why not treat her to a wonderful day out at Drumlanrig culminating in a mouthwatering meal in the Tearoom to show Mum just how much you care.
Snowdrop Walk in Preparation at Drumlanrig
10 March 2011
The Gardens team at Drumlanrig have been very busy during February and March planting masses of snowdrops with the intention of creating a Snowdrop Walk meandering through the woodland garden in years to come. 50,000 to 60,000 single snowdrops (Galanthus Nivalis, thousands of double snowdrops (Galanthus Nivalis Flore Pleno) and very many snowflakes (Leucojum Aestivum) have all been planted so far to create what should be a stunning carpet of these delightful little flowers which herald the onset of Spring. Always a wonderful sight. The Snowdrop Walk should be open to the public within 3 years.
Seasonal Catering Staff Required
01 March 2011
Ever fancied working here at Drumlanrig? There are a few vacancies for seasonal staff in our Tearoom and Stableyard Cafe, so if you are well presented, friendly and welcoming and think you are the right person to work in this magnificent place, then why not apply.
Positions available at present are for waiting staff, kitchen porter and snackbar assistant. Check out the details and dust off that CV ...
Forest Operations Continue ...
01 March 2011
The forestry operations in the grounds of Drumlanrig are continuing until further notice. Diversions remain in place for MTB 6 and MTB 7. We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope the trails will return to normal shortly.
Forest operations at MTB trails
10 February 2011
Can MTB trail users please note that from today, Thursday, 10 February to Monday 28 February 2011, forestry operations will be taking place on MTB 6 and MTB 7. Diversions will be in place.
Great News! Galloway Country Fair at Drumlanrig
10 February 2011
Drumlanrig Castle and Country Fair is delighted to be hosting the ever-popular Galloway Country Fair on 20 and 21 August 2011. GFC is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and promises to be better than ever. It is going from strength to strength with superb spectacles and demonstrations to excite and thrill. So far this year, we welcome the VT10 aerial aerobatic display team, Quack Commandos, Canine Partners, Thornhill Pipe Band, and our very own Rolf Buwert who will be giving wood turning demonstrations. Look out for more once they are confirmed.
Don't forget to put this on your calendar - a date not to be missed.
Dabton Gardens open as part of SGS
2 February 2011
Dabton Gardens, just north of Thornhill, will be open to the public this year as part of the Scottish Garden Scheme on Sunday 22 May 2011, 2 pm - 5 pm. The garden is normally closed to visitors so it is an excellent opportunity to view this beautiful hidden gem, all in the aid of charity. Refreshments will be available on site. Spend a relaxing afternoon perusing the magnificent herbaceous border and the colourful plants around the pretty water feature. A definite date for the diary!
The Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry will also be opening their garden at Dabton this year to parties by private arrangement.
New for 2010/2011 - Grayling Fishing on the Estate
13 January 2011
Drumlanrig Castle Fishings are pleased to announce that we are opening up our private beats for Grayling fishing over the winter months until 31 March. The cost will be £10 per rod on a preferred catch and release basis. Details can be found under Fishing for any interested Grayling fishermen out there.
Also, following on from our very successful Open Week last year, Drumlanrig Castle Fishings are hosting another Open Week free of charge from 28 February to 5 March 2011, again on our private beats. A definite date for your diary. Places must be booked through our Sporting Office and details can be found on our Fishing page.
Happy New Year to all our friends
13 January 2011
Despite recent treacherous wintry weather up and down the country, Drumlanrig Country Estate was looking particularly beautiful in the snow. Several enthusiastic mountain bikers and walkers have continued to use the trails regardless of severe temperatures and ground condition, rewarding them with a totally exhilirating experience.
Staff are now looking to the new season and several exciting events are already in place with more being added all the time. Keep checking our Events listing to find out what will be going on in and around Drumlanrig in 2011.
2011 opening times are now available as are the entry charges.
Looking forward to seeing you all when the new season starts on 1st April.