Meet the Georgians as Ayrshire prepares for ‘Festival of Museums’ 2017

Castles, galleries, and museums across Ayrshire are getting ready to throw open their doors for this year’s annual Festival of Museums, a weekend long celebration of Scotland's culture, taking place from 19 – 21 May. 

Now in its 11th year, the programme is designed to help visitors of all ages to engage with history and art in hands-on ways, while spotlighting the wealth of culture in Scotland's museums and galleries. This year the theme is ‘Glamorous Georgians’ with a number of events taking place in Ayrshire at Rozelle House as well as two local National Trust for Scotland properties, Burns Cottage and Culzean Castle and Country Park on Sun 21 May. The programme celebrates 18th Century Ayrshire through costume, song, cooking and more. Rozelle House Museum and Galleries: Meet the Georgians at Rozelle. Visit the original Georgian mansion house built in 1760, meet characters in costume and see the famous paintings, objects and curious held in South Ayrshire Council's collections. Burns Cottage: Use our props box at Burns Cottage to take an ‘authentic’ Georgian selfie in our photobooth. Look out for performances of Burns's works, guided tours, storytelling, face-painting, children's crafts and a pop-up vintage café on the day. Culzean Castle and Country Park: Georgians were full of intellectual curiosity and discovery, not least in relation to food. Historical interpreter Kathy Hipperson shares her knowledge of some extravagant dishes, suitable for any 18th Century table. Using a variety of flavours and colours there will be layered jellies, fruit jelling, and jellies that don't look like jellies at all. Jill Cronin, South Ayrshire Council’s Head of Enterprise, Development and Leisure said this year’s events looked to build on their past success, “Rozelle took part in the Festival of Museums for the first time last year, with the positive feedback we received convincing us to return for 2017. “Built in 1760, Rozelle remains an enduring example of stately Georgian architecture, with historical figures from that period set to bring the museum to life, with plenty on offer throughout the estate to keep entertain visitors at this fantastic event. “For the first time this year we’re working with other local attractions to help guests get around three separate locations and we’re all hoping for a great turnout on the day.” National Trust for Scotland General Manager for Ayrshire and Arran, Stuart Maxwell, said, “This is a really exciting initiative that showcases Ayrshire’s rich heritage in a fun way. “We can’t wait to share and celebrate this fascinating period of history with visitors, whether through the words and song of Robert Burns or with an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the residents of Culzean Castle.” To make travelling easy, buses will run between the three sites and Ayr town centre. Spaces are limited and only available to those who have purchased tickets (Free for NTS members up to £10.50 for non-members) which include use of the bus. Tickets without use of the bus are also available.