Mary, Queen of Scots Festival to be held

On the anniversary of Mary, Queen of Scots’ escape from Lochleven Castle a new festival to mark her life has been announced.

The festival will be held on 2 and 3 September 2017 in Kinross, near Lochleven Castle. She was held at the castle for nearly two years and it was there that she abdicated in favour of her son and she miscarried twins there in July 1567, who may have been buried in the grounds.

She escaped from the castle dressed as a servant girl and she made one last attempt to defeat her enemies. She later fled to England where she was imprisoned for the rest of her life.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, said: “The story of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots helps show how Scotland’s history is among the most compelling of any nation – and this is also reflected in many of our finest historic sites, from Linlithgow Palace where she was born to Loch Leven Castle where she was held prisoner before her escape and departure for England.

“The Mary Queen of Scots Festival – as a part of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology – offers us a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the story as part of our rich heritage and cultural traditions, drawing visitors of all ages from the local area and beyond.”

Malin Allan from the Clanranald Trust said, “Scotland is built on the history of remarkable individuals and one of these is the trials & tribulations of Mary Queen of Scots. Upon meeting Lord Jamie Montgomery in 2015 and hearing his passion for the Tragic Queen and her connection to his beloved Kinross the Clanranald Trust is honoured to be part of the Mary Queen of Scots Festival bringing Mary’s story to life.”