EVENT INFORMATION: Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
Discover the subterranean secrets of Culzean Castle
National Trust for Scotland are offering a unique opportunity for the public to don hard hats and explore Culzean Castle’s subterranean secrets!
Culzean Castle is renowned for its splendour and history but less well known are the mysterious caves below. Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland, which owns and cares for the property, is offering a unique opportunity for the public to don hard hats and explore Culzean Castle’s subterranean secrets. With limited spaces, the weekly guided tours are a must-see summer attraction for those who like to see Scotland’s history from a different angle.
Shrouded in mystery and boasting a fascinating history, there is evidence of human activity in the caves since the Iron Age. The caves predate the construction of the castle by several millennia and their existence shows that the rocky outcrop has been an important site for humans for thousands of years.
From being used as a smuggling hideaway in the 1700s - when it’s thought contraband made its way ashore from the Isle of Man and was hidden along the Ayrshire coast – to the tale of a piper who entered the cave and was never seen again – the caves are rich with intrigue and secrets.
An archaeological dig organised by National Trust for Scotland last year uncovered Iron Age artefacts and the remains of a mysterious hidden door. Pottery, glassware and 18th century wine bottles were unearthed during the excavation, deepening understanding of how the caves may have been used.
Gareth Clingan, Operations Manager for Culzean Castle & Country Park, said: “The caves are an extraordinary part of Culzean’s colourful history and it’s always a treat to be able to take the public in and show how humans have continued to use them for hundreds, possibly thousands of years.“
Tours will be guided by the Trust’s expert rangers, who will take visitors through the chambers sharing their knowledge of the caves’ extraordinary past. Tours will take place throughout the summer with booking being taken for 28 July, 9 August, 15 August, 24 August, 22 September and 6 October.
For more information and to book, go to www.nts.org.uk
Last Updated: 26 July 2019 12:16
Source: National Trust for Scotland
Latest Local News
Golf course and bowling greens reopen as lockdown measures ease
Renfrewshire Leisure has reopened a golf course and bowling greens after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the first phase of easing Scotland’s coronavirus lockdown can begin.
Last Updated: 30th May 2020
Stream4Scotland adds new names to 10 hours stream in aid of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy and ViseUp
Stream4Scotland has announced Amy Macdonald, Bow Anderson, Cameron Barnes, Hyyts, James Smith, Single by Sunday and Tide Lines will join the epic line-up for the ten hour stream extravaganza!
Last Updated: 29th May 2020
Make Music Day calls on Scottish musicians to perform Auld Lang Syne
Grassroots music festival, Make Music Day, is calling on Scottish musicians to join together in a celebratory performance of one of Scotland's must popular and enduring folk songs.
Last Updated: 27th May 2020
Dobbies encourages kids to get gardening
The UK's leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, announces its support for National Children’s Gardening Week, which runs from 23rd to 31st May.
Last Updated: 22nd May 2020
National Theatre of Scotland launches PLAY DATES a new online interactive programme for children and families
National Theatre of Scotland in association with leading children’s arts organisations Starcatchers and Imaginate is connecting with families at home during the COVID crisis.
Last Updated: 22nd May 2020
Charity calls on talented Scots to take part in virtual fundraising event
Specialist charity Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) is calling on talented Scots to help save the organisation with a virtual fundraising event.
Last Updated: 19th May 2020
Dobbies supports Virtual Chelsea Flower Show
The UK's leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, will be supporting for The Royal Horticultural Society's Virtual Chelsea Flower Show, which runs from 18 to 23 May!
Last Updated: 18th May 2020
Scottish Book Trust launch online celebrations for Bookbug Week
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, will host online celebrations this May for Bookbug Week.
Last Updated: 18th May 2020
Scotland Hosts International Prayer Meeting via Zoom
What is believed to be the largest Prayer Meeting held in Scotland since the Reformation has been conducted via Zoom this week, with around 400 people joining.
Last Updated: 18th May 2020
Celebrate World Whisky Day with Johnnie Walker
World Whisky Day is the annual toast to the 'water of life'. This year, Johnnie Walker, the world's number one Scotch, is giving a helping hand so you can celebrate the day in your home environment.
Last Updated: 15th May 2020
itison announce plans to launch first socially distanced Drive In
Scotland's drive in pioneers set to return this July with feel-good Summer movie classics!
Last Updated: 14th May 2020
Over 10,000 food packs donated in 24 hours
Kind-hearted members of the public have donated over 10,000 food packs to itison's fundraiser for Social Bite since it launched yesterday!
Last Updated: 14th May 2020
Art company launches online Art Exhibition on behalf of Beatson Cancer Charity
Inspired by daughter's cancer journey, The Studio Fine Art Company has repackaged this year's annual art exhibition to raise money for Beatson Cancer Charity and has taken the event online.
Last Updated: 13th May 2020
itison launches Social Bite fundraiser
itison is launching a fundraiser for Social Bite tomorrow, Wednesday 13th May at 9am, to help those hard-hit by the COVID-19 crisis.
Last Updated: 12th May 2020
Dobbies podcast explores gardening for beginners
The UK's leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, explores gardening for beginners in the second instalment from its podcast series.
Last Updated: 11th May 2020
SF At Home brings you studio tours, workshops and exhibitions
Arts agency unveils plans to engage audiences and support artists and makers during Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
Last Updated: 11th May 2020
Stay off the tracks. Stay home. Stay safe.
Network Rail has launched a new awareness-raising campaign to warn of the dangers of trespassing on the railway during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Last Updated: 8th May 2020
Pupils can take part in fun online version of Olympic Games
An online fun-filled version of the Olympic Games is being launched for primary school pupils during lockdown.
Last Updated: 8th May 2020
Cancellation of events in Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire Council has today announced that all large-scale Council-run events will be cancelled until the end of October in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Last Updated: 7th May 2020
Members of the public are asked to help identify archive photography
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has asked the public to help identify over 5,000 archive images which are now available online for the first time.
Last Updated: 7th May 2020
Enormous Ailsa Craig onion originated at Culzean Castle
The walled garden at the National Trust for Scotland's Culzean Castle holds an interesting past!
Last Updated: 7th May 2020
Launch of Ren TV
An online TV channel has been launched to help keep everyone fit, healthy and entertained during the coronavirus lockdown!
Last Updated: 7th May 2020
VE Day extravaganza for care homes across the UK
Care homes and the vulnerable are NOT FORGOTTEN as charity organises special online variety show for VE Day.
Last Updated: 7th May 2020
Virtual running challenge launched in aid of NHS Charities Together
The Great Run Company has launched #GreatRunSolo, a brand new virtual running challenge encouraging the public to stay healthy, be active and run solo to raise vital funds for NHS Charities Together!
Last Updated: 6th May 2020
TRNSMT 2021 Line Up Announced
TRNSMT organisers have been working hard with artist teams over the last few days to rebook most of the acts from the 2020 event to the 2021 festival!
Last Updated: 5th May 2020
A new online quiz service has launched to help people host their own pub quizzes from home
As lockdown continues, Tennent's is helping people stay entertained with the launch of PinTless, a free online quiz service where users can create their very own pub quiz to host from home!
Last Updated: 4th May 2020
Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival 2020 Cancelled
Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival 2020 has been cancelled but options are being explored for going ahead with online events.
Last Updated: 29th April 2020
Dobbies supports National Gardening Week
The UK's leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies, announces its support for The Royal Horticulture Society's National Gardening Week, the UK's biggest celebration of gardening running until May 3rd.
Last Updated: 28th April 2020
Scientific breakthrough creates buzz for Scottish Bee Company
The Scottish Bee Company, based in Edinburgh, is set to take on its global rivals after being revealed as a world-leading superfood in a recent scientific study.
Last Updated: 27th April 2020
Bloody Scotland and Bute Noir to hold a version of their popular quiz live online.
Bestselling Crime Writers join forces to recreate the Bloody Scotland Quiz from the comfort of their own homes.
Last Updated: 24th April 2020
Sponsored Links
Popular Events
TTF - Celebrating 30 years of TTF - POSTPONED
See TTF plus some of Europe's biggest acts all under one roof at intu Braehead Arena on Saturday 27th June as they celebrate their 30th anniversary!Renfrewshire Leisure Walking Challenge
Are you up for a Walking Challenge in your local community during your daily exercise? Renfrewshire Leisure are challenging you and your household to walk 48 miles in 4 weeks!Seven Drunken Nights: The Story Of The Dubliners
Following its sold out smash hit debut tour, Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of The Dubliners returns with an even bigger production. Catch it at Beacon Arts Centre on March 26th!Paisley Porteno Zoom Milonga
Join Paisley Tango on Saturdays for their Porteno Zoom Milonga sessions, everyone is welcome to come dance, watch, listen or chat!Coyote Ugly Tribute Show
Relive the hits from the classic good-time movie with Coyote Ugly Live at The Normandy Hotel!Popular Venues
Advertise With Us
Looking to reach new customers? We offer a variety of advertising options with prices starting from just £30 per month!
