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Step back into medieval realm at Craigievar

Craigievar Castle
Craigievar Castle

With its great tower and floating turrets, Craigievar Castle is the ultimate fairytale backdrop to Medieval Weekend this Saturday and Sunday.

Now in its third year, the event, held in conjunction with the re-enactment group Medieval Realm, and the Press and Journal, promises to be fun-filled with all the colour and spectacle you would expect from a medieval pageant, making it a great outing for all the family.

The fun-filled extravaganza will include displays and demonstrations by Medieval Realm, a historical re-enactment group from in and around Aberdeen, inside the castle and in the grounds, giving visitors a colourful insight to life in the castle, medieval games and food (display only), and medieval battles, arms and armour.

Visitors will also be able to talk to National Trust for Scotland (NTS) rangers and visit the marquee where they will find freshly brewed teas and coffees and a selection of delicious tray bakes.

Also on the jam-packed agenda is the announcement of the winners of the Craigievar Castle Children’s Creative Writing Competition.

Following on the success of last year’s inaugural children’s creative-writing competition, which is sponsored by the Press and Journal, pupils across Scotland have again been invited to use their imagination to weave new fantastical tales around the 17th-century castle – which is rumoured to have provided the inspiration for Disney’s famous “fairytale” castle.

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Competing in two categories: juniors, P6 and P7 and seniors, S1 to S6, this year’s contest attracted a fresh crop of around 200 budding authors.

The entries, which had to be no more than 500 words in length and include two facts about the magnificent building, were judged on the strength of characterisation and readers’ enjoyment.

The high standard of admissions posed a real challenge for the panel of judges charged with selecting five finalists for each category. From the shortlist of 10, three winning entries were selected for each category.

On Saturday, the winning entries in both the junior and senior sections of the contest will be read aloud in the castle. And who knows, there may be a future J.K. Rowling among the winning entrants, so be sure to ask for an autograph.

The first-prize winners in each section will have their stories published in the Press and Journal this Monday, and each receive a £60 book token. The runners-up in both categories will each receive a £25 book token, and those in third place a £15 book token.

Simon Dye, property manager for Craigievar, said: “With around 200 entries, as you can imagine, the judging panel had a tough task on its hands. We’re sure our visitors, both young and old, will enjoy hearing the winning stories.”

Looking ahead to the weekend, Mr Dye added: “We’re very excited about the Medieval Weekend. Whether you come on Saturday or Sunday, it’s sure to be a great day out for all the family with lots to see and do.”

The Medieval Weekend takes place from 11am to 4pm on both Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6. Prices are £12.50 for an adult; £29.50 for a family (two adults and up to four children); single family £23 (one parent and up to four children); concession rate £8.50.

For further information contact 01339 883635. Tickets can be bought at Craigievar Castle on the day.