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Scotland’s oldest house marks 900 years

The longest continually inhabited house in Scotland is 900 years old. Once a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland (it hosted 27 monarchs over the years), the Stuarts of Traquair House supported Mary, Queen of Scots and the doomed Jacobite cause.

The longest continually inhabited house in Scotland is 900 years old. Once a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland (it hosted 27 monarchs over the years), the Stuarts of Traquair House supported Mary, Queen of Scots and the doomed Jacobite cause.

The present laird, Catherine Maxwell Stuart, is hosting a special birthday weekend with talks and discussions by well-known writers and historians (June 29 – July 1). The celebrations continue with merrymaking at Traquair Fair (August 4-5) with theatre, music and dance; and an afternoon concert in the Old Walled Garden (Aug. 19). A special 900th anniversary beer is also being brewed at Traquair’s renowned 18th century brewery.

“The house has narrowly escaped being burnt down because of the family’s Catholic and Jacobite sympathies, yet somehow always survived. A combination of superb craftmanship, the care that each generation has put into its upkeep and a good dose of luck has ensured its survival,” says Ms Maxwell Stuart. The grounds include one of Scotland’s largest mazes. Situated near Innerleithen, 30 miles south of Edinburgh, Traquair House is open daily until October 31.

Tel: 01896 830323. Website: www.traquair.co.uk


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