Historic Scotland introduced ‘At Land and Sea’ event Rothesay Castle to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Largs

2013-09-23 — /travelprnews.com/ — Historic Scotland has unveiled its afternoon programme of activities at Rothesay Castle as part of this month’s ‘At Land and Sea’ event which is commemorating the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Largs.

The organisation, which manages Rothesay Castle, will be offering free entry to the public from 2.30pm on Saturday 28th September in order for visitors and the local community to enjoy an afternoon of Viking filled fun.

Activities at the castle will begin at 3pm with the Vikings storming the castle to be met by a Scots army. This follows the parade from the harbour to the castle.

Throughout the afternoon there will also be a whole host of activities to keep the family entertained from have a go archery to cooking demonstrations and traditional games.

Visitors can also enjoy the stories of Viking sagas, find out how a knight dressed for battle and witness a Viking dual. Young visitors can even be part of their very own army!

Gillian Urquhart, Events Manager for Historic Scotland said;

“The castle was built as part of Scotland’s defence against the Norwegians.

“The kings of Norway twice besieged and took it, in 1230 and 1263 , the same year as the Battle of Largs.

“The event on the 28th will allow the public to step back in time and experience life in Viking times with a whole host of activities on offer throughout the afternoon to keep the family entertained.

“We’d also like to extend our thanks to the Friends of Rothesay Castle who are supporting the free afternoon opening and for all their hard work in pulling together the ‘Land and Sea’ event.  I am sure it will be a memorable experience for locals and visitors alike.”

The afternoon is part of a wider programme of activities taking place throughout the day and into the evening organised by The Friends of Rothesay Castle who are running the overall event.

Key highlights include Vikings sailing into Rothesay on a Viking boat before marching to the castle, a torch light parade and fireworks display.

The full programme of activity at the castle is as follows:

•3.00. Vikings storm the Castle.

•3.20 – 5.45 – Activities within the Castle begin including have a go archery, cooking demonstrations, traditional games and activities on display.

In addition:

•3.20 – The Castle skirmish – Scots and Vikings continue the battle within the Castle

•3.45 – Viking Sagas – storytelling

•4.15 – Kids Army –

•4.45 – Dress the Knight – demonstration on how to dress a soldier for battle

•5.15 – Homganga – Viking dual

•5.30 – The Vikings take the Castle – final skirmish

Notes to editors:

  • Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.

 

 

  • 2013 is the Year of Natural Scotland, inspiring our people and our visitors to celebrate Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty, landscapes and biodiversity as Scotland prepares to welcome the world in 2014 and beyond. Find out more about Scotland’s outstanding natural beauty atwww.visitscotland.com/natural

Follow Historic Scotland:

 

Twitter: @welovehistory ; @edinburghcastle ; @ScottishTen
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Blogs: Stirling Castle: http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/blog/
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Climate Change: http://climatechangeblog.historic-scotland.gov.uk/
Year of Natural Scotland: http://yearofnatural.historic-scotland.gov.uk

For further information
Iona Matheson
Communications and Media Officer
Communications and Media
0131 668 8703 or 07827 956 858
iona.matheson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk