Duart Castle opens for 2009

Duart Castle, on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, has opened for 2009 with the launch of a brand new summer events programme.

Photo: John Cable

The programme was revealed at an exclusive evening event at the castle on Thursday 2nd April hosted by Sir Lachlan Maclean, the 28th Chief of the Clan Maclean and who lives in the castle. Special guests were treated to a first look at the events, a tour of the grand castle, guided by Sir Lachlan Maclean and one of the events on this year’s programme, whisky tasting with Tobermory Distillery and an exclusive look at parts of the private side of the castle.

The new events for 2009, running from May to September, include Children’s Interactive Castle Tours, The Duart Castle Family & Evening Ceilidhs, historical re-enactments with Frasers Dragoones and a Mull theatre production. Following on from last year’s success, tales of the Clan Maclean recited by traditional clan bard, Scot AnSgeulaiche, Evening Tours with Sir Lachlan Maclean and children’s treasure hunts & orienteering events are back for another year.

The Children’s Interactive Castle Tour is a new event tailored for children aged five to 13 years that will tell scandalous & romantic tales about the Clan Maclean, giving children the chance to re-enact the stories themelves using fun castle props. The family ceilidhs will provide a fantastic Scottish experience for visitors to Mull, with the chance to learn some traditional ceilidh dances suitable for children of all ages. For the adults, there will also be ceilidhs with live music, whisky, stovies and lots of jigs up and down the byre!

Sir Lachlan Maclean said: “We are passionate in offering ever visitor to Duart Castle a unique and entertaining experience whilst giving them the opportunity to learn about the history of the castle and the Macleans. We invite all visitors, from families to independent travellers to local residents to come along and enjoy our new events this year.” He added: “After winning the CalMac Award for Excellence in Tourism at last year’s Scottish Council for Development & Industry Awards, we are eager to sustain this level of quality throughout our visitor attraction.”

Sir Lachlan Maclean - photo: DeeVa

Duart Castle stands proudly on a clifftop overlooking the Sound of Mull and enjoys one of the most spectacular & unique positions on the west coast of Scotland. Visitors to Duart can explore the history of the castle and the Clan Maclean. As well as a fantastic new summer events programme, the oldest lived in castle on the island offers lots to see including prisoners in the dungeons, the magnificent Great Hall and spectacular views from the roof and sea room. The tea room, converted from the old cattle byres, is a highly attractive and unusual coffee stop. It is renowned for its traditionally Scottish and cosy atmosphere & unforgettable home baked cakes. The Duart Castle shop offers a range of quirky & interesting gift ideas.

For more information please telephone 01680 812 309 or visit www.duartcastle.com.


Chris

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