Guided Heritage Tours During Highland Archaeology Week
As part of Highland Archaeology Fortnight (30th September – 15 October) The Highland Council’s Heritage Officer Andrew Fergusson has organised three guided tours to examine buildings in the Nairn area.
The first tour takes place on Monday 2 October with a visit to Auldearn churchyard and motte. Did you know that Auldearn was once the major political and religious centre in the area, rather than Nairn? Auldearn was made a burgh before Nairn and had a royal castle first too. Historical characters associated with Auldearn include St. Columba, William the Lion, Robert the Bruce, the Marquis of Montrose and also Isobel Gowdie who claimed to have met the devil in the graveyard. Why not come along and find out more about the history of Auldearn and discover why Nairn replaced Auldearn as the leading population centre?
On Tuesday 3 October the tour will be to Rait Castle by Nairn, a secluded monument of national importance and one of the best preserved examples of its kind. Rait Castle is classed as a hall house, a type of old castle rare in Scotland. It also has a ghost! Find out how the rivalry between the Mackintoshes and Cummings led to murder at the castle.
The third and final guided tour will be around the Nairn Court House building on Wednesday 4 October. The tour will look at the history of the present building, which dates from 1818, and the old tollbooth which preceded it. Find out about the history of crime and punishment in Nairn. Includes a visit to the cells but you will be free to leave at the end of the tour!
Andrew Ferguson said: “Nairnshire has a long and fascinating history. The guided tours offer an opportunity to visit some of the most important sites in the area and discover more about local heritage. Find out what Robert the Bruce was doing in Nairnshire, what happened at the battle of Auldearn and why the Nairn sisters were transported to Australia.”
All tours run from 2.30pm-3.30pm and although they are free of charge, places should be booked in advance by contacting Andrew on 01667 458520 who will then give details of where to meet up.
These events are just some of the many activities running across the Highlands during Archaeology Fortnight. The festival, co-ordinated by The Highland Council’s Archaeology Unit within the Planning and Development Service, celebrates the archaeology, history and culture of the Highlands and has a packed programme of guided walks, talks, children’s and special events for people of all ages to enjoy.