A great family day out at Braemar Castle this afternoon, this was only the second year this event has been organised and must say thanks to the local community efforts the day seemed to me a great success. Braemar Castle and the immediate grounds must be one of the best locations in Scotland to hold such an event made even better today by the fantanstic sunny weather. Even though this event is still in it's infancy there was a great programme of events beginning at 11.45am with folk group The Allans who played a selction of instruments including the fiddle, the bodhran, flute, whistles, guitar, mandola and mandolin as well as delivering some rousing and stirring tunes and songs from the period. 12.30pm local community group re-enacted a 18th century trial 12.45pm a living history lesson on shearing sheep Jacobite style and learning about how the wool was processed for use. 1.15pm The Alans took to the stage once again to perfom a 45 minite set this was followed by pipes and drums of Buckburn Juvinille Pipe Band and fine exhibition of young talent. 3.10pm A performance by the local community of the Story of the 45, as well as acting included music, song and dance. Needless to say myself and Bruce Ogilvie being dressed in the attire were inveigled into the performance [Bruces fault], but at least he got to play with a gun!!!

As well as the programme of events there were tours round the castle, in the castle grounds there were various stalls for both exhibiting and selling. After being partially involved with this years event organisers have invited us to take our tent along next year to show our display.

Additionally, although Braemar Castle is still owned by the Farquharsons of Invercauld the local community have taken on a 50 year lease of the property, but although it looks good from a distance and in the pics below the castle is in a state of much needed repairs. The main area of concern at the moment is the roof and costs of repair have been estimated at £50,000, with this in mind see our events page, as some members of Crann Tara have organised a walk over the Deeside and Angus Glens on 10th -13th August raising funds at the same time for 3 worthy causes, this being one of them.

This event today was one of the many fund raising events organised by the community so they can restore the castle to it's former glory. With your help by sponsoring our walk we can play our part in contributing to this cause and help keep one of Scotland precious historic buildings from falling into ruin.

For more information about our Deeside and Angus Glens walk please visit the Forthcoming events page.

Report by James Singer