Duart Castle, the Clan Maclean stronghold on the Isle of Mull, opened on 1st April for its 2010 season. It also opened its doors to an exciting events programme, each appropriate to the place, its nature, cultural identity and specific spaces.
This four star Isle of Mull visitor attraction has announced a new link up with the island’s own Mull Theatre, one of Scotland’s leading touring theatre companies. ‘Maclean’s Snails & Other Tales’, an interactive children’s drama workshop, is just one of the new events introduced to the 2010 summer programme.
The workshop will dive into some of the greatest legends of the Macleans and Mull, where participants can become the characters, learn a few lines and then perform the show in front of a selected audience of parents, friends – and the present Clan Chief. Anyone over eight years old will enjoy these workshops, taking place in July and August and free with admission to the castle.
Mull Theatre will also be in Duart Castle on 3rd August during their summer tour – to present Opium Eater, a laugh-out-loud and deeply moving portrayal of a writer’s addiction to laudanum, set in Edinburgh in 1820.
New to the programme this year – on 7th August – is the Gaelic Waulking Song Group, Sgioba Luaidh Inbhirchluaidh, pictured above. Not a spelling error for ‘walking’ but in fact a renowned group of Scottish women who will illustrate in Gaelic song the ancient tradition of tweed production. Visitors will hear songs of love and war, tragedy and comedy, chat between the women and may also try waulking themselves.
The Mull Highland Dancers and Mull & Iona Pipe Band will showcase their talents at the Duart’s Pipers & Highland Dancing Day in June and September. Taking place within the magnificent grounds of the stunning clifftop castle, this is an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience and celebrate Scottish culture at its best.
Back by popular demand is the historical re-enactment group Fraser’s Dragoones, pictured above. This summer they will re-enact the story of the Maclean’s involvement in the mid 17th century wars. Going back over 300 years, visitors can watch Scottish soldiers fight with English redcoats for control of the castle. This event will take place on two occasions – Saturday 31st July and Sunday 1st August.
Back too, after last year’s successful event programme, is the Duart Castle Ceilidh (July & August), Mendelssohn on Mull Festival (1st July), children’s treasure hunts and Tales of the Maclean Clan with Scot AnSgeulaiche.
Full details of the 2010 events programme are now available at the Duart Castle website or by phone at 01680 812 309.
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