THERE will be a Host of Halloween happenings at Traquair this year. With over 900 years of history and with superb ancient woodlands, there will be events both inside and outside the Castle.
A new illuminated woodland light trail will be launched this year and run from Thursday October 26 to Sunday October 29 (6pm -9pm)
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Visitors will have the opportunity to wander through Traquair’s woods and see some stunning illuminated trees, including the centuries old yew tree circle, and water projections on the Quair water, a tributary of the River Tweed.
As you emerge from the woods there is a chance to see and explore the Maze at night with ghostly illuminations.
The event is made possible by locally based freelance lighting designer, Mark Phelan known for some Halloween and Christmas illuminations of his own house in Traquair Village.
Catherine Maxwell Stuart, 21st Lady of Traquair, said: “It has been a long-held ambition to do an illuminated light trail, but they can be extremely expensive to put on, so we are very excited that thanks to Mark’s enthusiasm and skill we are trialling this light walk to test its popularity and hopefully grow the event in the future.”
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Visitors can purchase tickets online or on the night and go through the woodlands in their own time spending as long as they wish between 6pm and 9pm.
Torches and sturdy footwear are advisable. Refreshments will be available at the Old Walled Garden Café.
For an unforgettable visit to Traquair, the ghostly castle tours promise to be a spine-chilling experience.
These tours run on Friday October 27 and Saturday October 28 7pm – 9pm.
Expect the unexpected as you are guided through the house and inhabitants from the past come back to life to tell their stories.
As the wind whistles through the walls, you will meet a priest living in fear of his life, and the Earl and Countess discussing how to support the Jacobite Uprisings and the terrible consequences of what happened when they did.
Witness life in the dungeons of the Tower of London before recovering with a glass of mulled wine in Traquair’s 18th century Dining Room.
Tours take approximately one hour, and the Old Walled Garden Café will be open late for hot food and refreshments.
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And the Halloween Family Fun Day has a packed programme of entertainment, workshops, and spooky experiences.
This year there will be magic shows with Gary James, ghostly storytelling in the woods and a witch and wizards’ workshop for some natural wand making and hats.
If you feel like having a chance to get up close and feel some very creepy crawlies, there will a few reptiles making an appearance, or if you would like to have your Tarot read, there will be the opportunity to book a visit to the Tarot Card reader throughout the day.
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In the house there will be the ever-popular spooky passage experience with some unexpected surprises!
In the courtyard you can take part in some traditional sticky Halloween Games, dook for apples, get your face painted, and go on a spooky treasure hunt.
There will also be a Halloween fancy dress competitions – with great prizes. For all ages.
There will also be lots of delicious Halloween treats in the Old Walled Garden Café with homemade lunches and teas.
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