Guided Historic Tours in Scotland

Month of Mary, Queen of Scots

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By Anne

Emma meeting Saoirse Ronan who plays Mary, in the movie "Mary, Queen of Scots"

To celebrate the launch of the new film, starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, we embarked on a month of all things “Mary” and what an exciting time it has been. We were privileged to attend the premiere and Emma had a wee chat and even got a hug from Saoirse afterwards.

We have had an amazing experience, indulging our passion for Mary, and hopefully encouraging more people to “get to know her”, while also highlighting the important role Linlithgow plays in her story. A huge thanks to all those who facilitated and engaged in events over the month.

Here are just a few highlights:

We were honoured to be asked to participate in a special Mary, Queen of Scots banquet at the beautifully restored Borthwick Castle. In the stunning surroundings of the Great Hall we enjoyed “an exceptional evening of regal medieval delights” with a feast prepared by professional Masterchef winner Derek Johnstone. Anne helped set the scene with a short talk on Mary.

 

Borthwick Castle is an exclusive use venue, but they have occasional special events you can book.

Anne at the Mary, Queen of Scots banquet at Borthwick Castle

Linlithgow celebrates Month of Mary, Queen of Scots #monthofMQS

Mary, Queen of Scots themed windows in Linlithgow, 2019

Mary was born in Linlithgow and the burgh played an important role in Stewart history. There’s never been a better opportunity to share our story, so we launched a campaign on social media and a number of shops are embracing #MonthofMQS with themed display windows.

Statue of Mary, Queen of Scots, Linlithgow

It was also an opportune moment for the original Mary, Queen of Scots statue to return to Linlithgow, after her clean up, following many years in the gardens at Annett House Museum. She will take pride of place, indoors this time, in the new Linlithgow Museum, opening in the Spring.

New Tour

We are also very excited to launch our new luxury MQS tour package with award-winning Champany Inn, on the outskirts of Linlithgow. Featuring 3 days touring with Mary’s Meanders and a luxury stay, including a special Mary, Queen of Scots feast, this is a very special experience. Find out more here.

Champany Inn

Don’t forget we still have our regular Mary, Queen of Scots day tours – including a FREE self- guided tour in Edinburgh. Find out more here.

Whirlwind Mary, Queen of Scots Experience

Our month concluded with an amazing couple of days accompanying key influencers on a Mary, Queen of Scot’s journey with Visit Scotland. It included:

  • Attending “The Women of the Crown”, MQS inspired fashion show at Edinburgh Castle, launching a new range of products by fashion designer Jeff Garner.
  • A preview of the National Library of Scotland new exhibition
  • A fantastic guided talk on the MQS objects in The National Museum of Scotland by David Forsyth, the curator
  • A private tour of Traquair House by the 21st laird, Catherine Maxwell-Stuart.
  • Tea at Carberry Tower
  • An amazing sensory experience, as we discovered “Scotland in a bottle” with Imogen Russon-Taylor of Kingdom Scotland – Scotland’s first fragrance house. 
  • The Mary Queen of Scots feast at Champany Inn.
  • Thank you so much to Erin, from Visit Scotland, Hayley, Talitha and Fariba for your enthusiasm and for encouraging us to make more of Instagram. If you want to find out more about the trip, with some fabulous pictures, follow the Instagram accounts:

www.instagram.com/stories/berriestagram/

www.instagram.com/amodelmoment/

www.instagram.com/rubyandb

Special thanks to Visit Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Visit West Lothian, Borthwick Castle, the wonderful staff at Linlithgow Palace and Blackness Castle, the new Linlithgow Museum and everyone who has joined our adventure over the past month.