NTS holding several events to mark the summer solstice

The National Trust for Scotland is marking the longest day of the year (Thursday 21 June) by putting on a series of special events at its properties across the country.

From Threave Garden in Dumfries and Galloway to Glencoe in the Highlands, the Trust has organised 13 unique events which will help inspire the country and showcase the diversity of things to see and do in Scotland:

Begin the summer solstice at 8am by volunteering at the tranquil gardens of Priorwood in Melrose, where participants will receive a short tour, carry out crucial work in the garden, and enjoy a slap-up breakfast for their hard work;

Take an early morning tour of the New Park grounds at the Battle of Bannockburn, followed by a delicious Scottish breakfast;

Spend the day on the Isle of Arran, walking round the three Beinns horseshoe – the island’s three main summits of Beinn Nuis, Beinn Tarsuinn and Beinn a’Chliabhain;

Take an hour-and-a-half tour of Glencoe in the Trust’s Land Rover Safari, enjoying the area’s history, wildlife, geology and more. Or, join the rangers for a short, guided walk of local trails;

Visitors can take a guided evening walk around the grounds of Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, and then enjoy supper as the sun sets

Visit the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum at a discounted rate, where there will also be a family BBQ and bouncy castle;

Join one of two tours of Gladstone’s Land to explore the Midsummer traditions, beliefs, and rituals of our ancestors;
Take a two-hour walking tour of Culross Village;

In the evening, enjoy a Chamber Music Evening at Brodie Castle with Mac McClure, an American Pianist playing a Spanish and international repertoire which includes Francesc Capella, Luis A. Clavo, Moises Bertran and Enrique Granados;

Set sail with Skipper Jamie on the Striker for a boat trip around at Inverewe Garden and Estate. Or join a free talk from Eung Woo Ri, who has been researching nature art for more than 30 years;

Take a guided evening walk around the grounds of Culzean, followed by a two-course supper at the brand new Fo’c’sle Restaurant, watching the sun set behind Arran at 10.03pm;

When darkness finally falls, join the Trust’s natural heritage team at Threave Garden from 10pm for a nocturnal wildlife walk, using detectors to listen to bat calls and learn about the different species which live at the property.

A panoramic view of Brodick Bay at dusk

The conservation charity is also calling on Scots to share a video of the story behind their summer solstice on social media, with a chance to feature in a collection of the best clips from the day – all as part of its latest For the Love of Scotland campaign.

Mark Bishop, director of customer and cause at the National Trust for Scotland, said: ‘The longest day of the year means there’s even more time to enjoy and explore Scotland’s national and natural treasures. Come and get involved with one of these great events or take part online.

‘We want as many people as possible to get involved – so share your videos of how you’re celebrating the longest day and tell us why you love Scotland. Whether you are having a picnic at a Trust property, climbing a mountain, or just relaxing in a garden, we’ll share the best submissions in a special video, which will be on our website shortly after 21 June.’

Those taking part can share their footage by using #LoveOnTheLongestDay on their social media posts, upload content to either YouTube or Vimeo and send a link to bpageot@nts.org.uk, or transfer videos using this link: https://lotld.wetransfer.com/

Find more information, including tips on how to capture the footage, HERE.