They have lain silent for decades, but historical properties across the north-east will soon be alive with the sound of music.
A range of striking and unusual pianos at historic venues from Fyvie Castle to Haddo House, Castle Fraser and Leith Hall are being brought back to life thanks to a project by music expert Dr Roger Williams.
Former master of chapel and ceremonial music at Aberdeen University, Dr Williams has been studying the National Trust for Scotland’s (NTS) instrument collection throughout the north-east for a number of years.
He has now created a programme of performances at Trust properties throughout the summer to bring the rare instruments back into use.
It will be the first time that some of the instruments have been played in decades.
Dr Williams said: “There has been a long history of music associated with many properties in the north east and there are musical instruments at several of them, many in playing order.
“Some of them are rare, such as the square pianos at Fyvie Castle and Castle Fraser, and the historic grand piano at Drum. There are some surprises too such as the the organs, one at Fyvie Castle and the other formerly at Castle Fraser.”
NTS assistant manager for the north-east, Steve Callaghan, said the instruments would have once entertained regularly in many Trust properties.
“We are pleased that they will be played and fulfil their original function once again.
“This is the first step in a programme to fill these rooms with music once again.
“Our long term ambition is to enable more people to play these instruments more frequently – possibly even members of the public at some select properties.”
As well as instruments, NTS also cares for large collections of music at some of its properties, which will form the material for some of the concerts.
The first performance is being held at Fyvie Castle at 3pm on Sunday. Further concerts are due to be held at Brodie Castle, Castle Fraser, House of Dun, Leith Hall and Haddo House among others.