Shona Gossip
An Aberdeenshire castle will hold a special event this weekend to mark the reopening of the property.
Drum Castle, near Banchory, has undergone a £700,000 revamp to repair structural problems and to conserve the medieval tower for the years to come.
Now the National Trust for Scotland is gearing up for a special event on Sunday, featuring drummers of all ages, styles and skills to celebrate the reopening of the full castle.
Drum Beat – The Homecoming will be headlined by drummer Ash Soan, who has played for pop stars including Adele, Lily Allen and Cher, as well as drummers from across the north-east.
The castle’s inaugural drumming festival – which organisers hope could become an annual event – will also include a variety of workshops, and the chance to try out the instrument, whether it be traditional, African or street style drumming.
The programme also includes specialist talks about archaeological discoveries made during the conservation works, including two chambers that lay hidden for at least 150 years.
Organiser Kris Bruce said: “This is a massive year for Drum as we reopen the full castle again after completing the vital conservation to the mediaeval tower.”
Visitors can also find out more about the work going on to create a therapeutic roof garden at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and view plans for a stained glass window that will feature in it.
Alison Burke, manager of the castle, added: “We at Drum understand how healing gardens can be and we are delighted to support the ARI roof garden appeal in every way we can. The window design is still under wraps, but I have had a little peek and I know that everyone will be as amazed as I was when I saw it.”
There will also be face painting and a bouncy castle at the event, which will run from noon-4pm.