Learn the real story of Mary Queen of Scots

The new film Mary Queen of Scots is released in the UK next week.

Scottish Field, and our friends at VisitScotland, have brought you a guide to some of the locations which were used in the film.

Today, we present you with the chance to explore the history of Mary, Queen of Scots.

The film is released in 19 January and stars Saoirse Ronan as the titular Queen, and Margot Robbie as her second cousin and rival monarch Elizabeth I.

It has inspired a renewed interest in a tumultuous period of British history and offers the perfect excuse to explore Scotland and the many fascinating historical connections to Mary Stuart.

Linlithgow, West Lothian

These historic ruins, once a royal ‘pleasure palace’, surrounded by peaceful gardens and grounds, were also the birthplace of Mary Stuart. The site was first occupied as far back as Roman times, 2,000 years ago. There has been a royal residence here since at least the reign of David I (1124–53). He also founded the town that grew up around the royal residence.

Open daily, tickets from £5.20 for a child, £9 for adults. See www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/linlithgow-palace for more information.

Stirling Castle

Mary spent the first few years of her life, from 27 July 1543, within the safe confines of this castle and in the hands of her guardian Lord Erskine, to February 1548, when she was moved to Dumbarton Castle and eventually shipped to France. It is here, in the Old Chapel, where she was crowned Queen of Scots on 9 September 1543, aged nine months. The ceremony consisted of the quick investiture of the child in the presence of the nobility.
Open daily, tickets from £9 for a child, £15 for adults. See www.stirlingcastle.scot for more information.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street, Edinburgh

The painting of Mary, Queen of Scots, by an unknown artist, is said to give some clues as to her imprisonment and execution. Famed for her tall and elegant appearance, the captive yet dignified Mary seems to tower above those who look at her in the painting. She stands on a Turkish-style carpet and her pale and slightly weary features are set against a dark background, accentuated by her black velvet dress with its elaborate lace cuffs and a diaphanous cloak.

Open daily, free admission. Go to www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/scottish-national-portrait-gallery for further details.

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh

The museum has a vast selection of objects associated with Mary. History fans can explore her dramatic story and separate out the facts from the myths that have built up over the centuries. Included in their selection of items is a harp, or clarsach, made in the 15th century and said to be to have been given by Mary, Queen of Scots to Beatrix Gardyne of Banchory, while on a hunting trip to Atholl, circa 1563. It is also said to have been adorned at one time with a gold portrait of Mary, which could be the real reason for its association with her.

Admission to the museum is free. For more information, go to: https://www.nms.ac.uk/explore-our-collections/stories/scottish-history-and-archaeology/mary-queen-of-scots/mary-queen-of-scots/queen-mary-harp/

Craignethan Castle, Blackwood, Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire

There are various stories of places in Scotland – and elsewhere in the UK – of places the ghost of Mary, Queen of Scots is said to haunt; Craignethan Castle (where Mary is said to have spent the night before the battle of Langside in 1568) has one of those stories. Visitors have reportedly seen a headless woman walking in the grounds, who some believe to be the Scottish Queen.

Open daily, tickets from £3.60 for a child, £6 for adults. See www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/craignethan-castle/ for more information.

Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Centre, Queen Street, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders

Located in a 16th century tower house in the centre of the historic town, the visitor centre reflects the proud association of the town with Mary who stayed there in 1566. The building was bought in 1927 by the town of Jedburgh as it had always been linked with Mary’s stay on an official tour when she became seriously ill after riding to Hermitage Castle to visit Bothwell, her supposed lover. Each room has a different focus. The Rogues’ Gallery introduces the individuals in the drama of Mary’s life, whilst the Last Letter Room reveals Mary’s final thoughts.

Admission free, see www.scotborders.gov.uk for more information.

Don’t forget to check out the Mary Queen of Scots trail from Historic Environment Scotland. See https://maryqueenofscots.historic-scotland.gov.uk/ for full details.

Also of note is Mary, Queen of Scots: The Cursed Crown. This is running at the Edinburgh Dungeon, from 26 January – 31 March 2019.

In 1587 Mary, Queen of Scots, was put on trial for treason and imprisoned in Fotheringay Castle. Accused of plotting to assassinate her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, Mary was sentenced to face the chop – death by executioner’s axe. It took three chops before her head rolled.

In this new show at the Edinburgh Dungeon, discover the harrowing tale of Mary’s incarceration within England’s castles, the multitude of misfortunes that befell her at the hands of her own kin and the lead up to her tragic end. You will hear stories so shocking that heads will roll!

For more information and tickets visit www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/en/what-is-the-dungeon/mary-queen-of-scots

For more on visiting Scotland go to www.visitscotland.com.

Mary, Queen of Scots will be released at UK cinemas on Friday, 18 January. For full details on the film, visit www.focusfeatures.com/mary-queen-of-scots/