The weekend of 31st July and 1st August sees the return of Hugh Fraser’s regiment to Duart Castle, the 13th century home of the Clan Maclean and a popular visitor attraction on the Isle of Mull. The ladies and gentlemen of Fraser’s are making their sixth visit to Duart Castle in 2010 and will bring to life the troops, the weapons, the drill and tell the story of the Maclean’s role in the wars of the 17th century.
1653 saw the final instalment in a long saga of warfare across the British Isles in the mid 17th century. The Maclean’s of Duart played a prominent part in the Scottish episodes of the war and hence the visit of the English New Model army to Mull. This turbulent period of our history saw Scots armies invade England four times in a decade and the English under Cromwell invading Scotland in 1650 to suppress the Scots Royalists who were fighting for Charles II. This invasion of Scotland took three years to finally subdue the Scots. The 1653 invasion of Mull was actually beaten back by the weather rather than the action of Scots soldiers. A severe storm hit the English fleet anchored of Duart Point sinking three ships, the most famous of which The Swan has been the subject of archaeological investigations.
WHAT: “Soldiers to Fight for Scotland!” - C17th Historical Re-enactment with Fraser’s Dragoones
WHERE: Duart Castle, Isle of Mull, Argyll, Scotland, PA64 6AP
WHEN: Saturday 31st July & Sunday 1st August, 11am to 4pm each day
The action starts at 11am and runs to 4pm each day with drills, musketry, swordplay and skirmishes with the English troops trying to take the castle.
11am Opening of the Event – Sword Display
12pm Parade of the troops
1pm Introduction to the troops and Musket Display
2pm Musket Display and opening Skirmish
3pm Skirmish with the English invaders
4pm Closing Display
The visitor is welcome to walk round the soldier’s camp outside the castle and meet the soldiers and camp-followers as they prepare to defend the castle against the attacking redcoats.
The event, which takes place outdoors in the magnificent grounds at the castle, is free. Prices apply for admission into the castle and exhibition. For more information please telephone 01680 812 309 or visit www.duartcastle.com.
…ends…
For more information please contact:
Pauline Foster
Pure Shores PR – Oban
01631 569 651
07791573247
Notes to Editors:
- Journalists and photographers are invited along to the event. To attend please contact Pauline Foster as above.
Castle Info:
- Duart Castle is on the Isle of Mull on the west coast of Scotland, just 10 minutes away from the CalMac Ferry Terminal at Craignure. The Duart coach meets the ferry arrivals daily.
- Castle Opening Times: Castle & tea room open daily 10.30am – 5.30pm. Castle closes 18th Oct (Tea room & shop close 11th Oct).
- 2010 castle entry ticket prices are Adults £5.30, Children £2.65, Concessions £4.80, Family Ticket £13.25 (2 Adults, 2 Children).
- 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. The Duart Castle shop offers a range of interesting gift ideas.
- Discover the 13th century home of the Clan Maclean. The four star visitor attraction 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.
Contact: Pauline Foster
Phone: 01631 569 651
Email: pauline@pureshorespr.co.uk
Website: http://www.duartcastle.com
