Six fantastic storytelling events

Culzean Castle and Country Park, Ayrshire and Arran

Culzean Castle perches on top of the spectacular cliffs of the Ayrshire coast, looking out to sea on one side and over its historic gardens and grounds on the other, acting simultaneously as a viewing platform and as a splendid backdrop for the extensive gardens. Hear how Culzean’s unique situation and climate allow many usually tender plants to flourish outdoors such as the exotic pineapple guava Acca sellowiana, 2 metres high Canary Island echiums, or the Loquat tree Eriobotrya japonica. Hear about the walled garden, created in a double plan blunt diamond shape to maximise sunlight but also to create working and pleasure gardens in one space. And how the land where the walled garden now sits was once the property of a former slave called Scipio, who was brought to Culzean as a child, but earned his freedom and the right to this high value plot of land.

Monday 7 May, 1pm - 4pm
Admission details can be found on the garden's website.

Dr Neil's Garden, Edinburgh

Step back in time in an oasis of calm at Dr Neil’s garden with the soothing sounds of the nearby Duddingston Loch. Hear tales of the bronze age hoard discovered beneath the waters in the 1800s. The garden, tenderly created by the doctors from scratch, was often used by their patients. Get up close and personal with the soft, rubbery needles of the Abries concolor tree and hear the story of the three sequoias.

Monday 7 May, 2pm - 5pm
Admission £5.00, children free.

Inverewe Garden and Estate

Inverewe Garden is a magical place nestling on the shores of Loch Ewe in the rugged North West Highlands- it's an oasis of plants, trees, animals and birds – giving inspiration to many gardeners, artists, poets, musicians and bards over the decades. Traditionally storytellers have been inspired by this amazing place. Inverewe is about building dreams and making them happen. Come and hear many of the stories written over the years, stand at the foot of giants and find out what is the very special spirit of Inverewe.

Saturday 12 May, 2pm - 5pm
Admission £5.00, children free.

Tyninghame House and The Walled Garden, East Lothian

Folklore and facts come to life at Tyninghame, with echoes of the lost village, or the Romanseque ruin of St Baldred’s Church overlooking the Tyne Estuary and Lammermuir Hills. The site has been inhabited since the 11th century, and the gardens grown with the secrets of time past. Take in Lady Haddington’s ‘Secret Garden’, the ‘apple walk’ and sculptured hedges.

Sunday 13 May, 1pm - 5pm
Admission £5.00, children free.

Fingask Castle

There is many a tale to be told at Fingask. Alice in Wonderland topiary staggers across the lawn, bumping into stone globes and statues from three centuries. Historical and literary figures, steel shapes, black torsos, and belvederes are scattered among pleasure gardens first laid out in the 18th century. Three jolly drinkers: Burns, Tam O’Shanter and Souter Johnnie dominate the short yew walk above the castle. Both Bonnie Prince Charlie and his father are said to have approached the castle from the longer yew parade aptly named the King’s Walk.

Thursday 11 October, 2pm - 5pm
Admission £5.00, children free.

Dalswinton House

Keen to listen to stories about the maiden voyage of Britain’s first steamboat? Huddle around the boat itself to hear tales the brave Red Comyn, who lived at Dalswinton and was killed by Robert the Bruce in 1306. Or step back in time and hear tales about Romans who encamped upon the hills nearby. Soak in the garden's history and stand in awe at the large man made loch with island folly.

Sunday 21 October, 2pm - 5pm
Admission £5.00, children free.

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