History will come to life with a hard day’s knight

Get ready to step back in time to an age of jousters, jesters and knights in Peeblesshire this weekend.

The Traquair Medieval Fayre, now in its 15th year, is being held on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May from 11am–5pm, in the grounds of Scotland’s oldest inhabited house.

The event at Traquair House, in Innerleithen, is Scotland’s only authentic medieval fayre.

From spectacular jousting displays on the grassed avenue that get bigger and better every year to wandering through the old walled garden filled with medieval traders, workshops and demonstrations there is something for everyone to learn and enjoy.

Re-enactors come from far and wide and this year Les Chardons d’Orleans have travelled from France to explain life, military tactics and fight techniques from the heart of the Auld Alliance. They will be joined by the Douglas Retinue on the avenue who will be involved in a few skirmishes throughout the day.

In front of the house look out for gunning displays with a live cannon firing to start the event with a literal bang! Then there will be combat demonstrations, archery and falconry displays throughout the day.

Up in the old walled garden you enter a virtual medieval village with a wealth of traders and demonstrators from a medieval forge, green woodworking, wool carding and dyeing, fletchers, shoemakers and medieval games and toys.

For children, there is a sword and helmet making workshop, have a go longbow archery, jester shows and storytelling with Mistress Quill. They can also take part in the children’s army and attack the knights – soft swords only!

For those that like to find out the grizzlier side of Medieval Life, the Perth executioner will be on hand to explain his instruments of torture and watch out you are not selected for a go in the stocks!

Pluto with Lady Bethany Martin in front of beautiful Traquair House (Photo: Ian Georgeson Photography)

Music is always a highlight of the Fayre and this year we will have wandering minstrels Hautbois with their handcart full of strange and wonderful early instruments. Gaita will entertain in the garden with early music and dance, in the courtyard the Gargoyles with medieval songs and in the chapel Capella Nova on Saturday singing plainsong and The Galloway Consort on Sunday.

Finally, delicious food and drink will be on offer from the garden café as well as buffalo burgers, a superb spit roast pig, pizzas from the wood fired oven and our own home brewed Traquair Fayre Ale from the 300-year-old brewery.

Included in your ticket is an opportunity to see round the house and learn about Traquair’s connection with Mary Queen of Scots and the early Scottish kings and queens.

Reduced price tickets available until tomorrow, 22 May.

Adults are £12 (£10 advance), children and concessions £10 (£8 advance), with a family ticket £38 (£36 advance). Ticket price includes all entertainment and entry to house. Dogs welcome on leads.