This Saturday night, the atmospheric setting of Threave Garden will host our brand new storytelling tour - History, Hauntings and Horticulture! Working in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland we’ve created a walking tour showcasing the legends, history and folklore surrounding Castle Douglas.

We’re thrilled to be collaborating with our friends at Threave Garden and love the idea of guests having this wonderful location all to themselves. The tours are exclusive, taking place after the garden has closed, creating a rare and intimate experience.

Given the proximity of nearby Threave Castle, former stronghold of the Black Douglases, the castle’s colourful history will be a key theme of the tour. Threave has witnessed some grim episodes in its time including a brutal beheading and various executions on the infamous ‘Gallows Knob’. The Douglases boasted that it was never without a tassel!

Another dark event involves the betrayal of the sixth Earl and his brother at Edinburgh Castle and in terms of Threave’s ghostly side, many eerie encounters have been reported…

This will be our first tour to feature the fascinating history of plant use in local customs, medicines and witchcraft and we’ve discovered a few interesting examples.

Unfortunately if you were a healer in the 17th century, you could find yourself being accused of witchcraft as a lady called Janet Miller found out. Hers is one of the dark tales we explore on the tour which shows how good deeds can be twisted with devastating results…

A special treat is in store for guests with a visit to Threave House, a spectacular 19th century Baronial mansion. The house was designed for Liverpool merchant, William Gordon and was passed on to the National Trust for Scotland by his grandson, Major Alan Gordon in 1948. The house will create an atmospheric backdrop for the tour climax.

So, are there any ghosts at Threave House? Our research has uncovered some curious reports from past occupants: footsteps are a recurring feature along with moving objects and a mysterious sense of presence. We’ve also collected a range of intriguing tales from the locality: from phantom voices to buried cars, crying children to the Grey Lady of Greenlaw Mansion…

We’re very excited about welcoming our first guests to History, Hauntings and Horticulture! This is a great opportunity to encourage new and past visitors to Threave, helping to raise the profile of the area and inspiring people to explore Dumfries and Galloway.

Tour Launch: Saturday 9th June at 8pm

Tickets available from Threave Garden, Midsteeple Box Office or online at Ticketsource

For more info, please contact us through this online form or by phoning 07791 047835 or 07912 145865

Main photo: courtesy of Threave Garden and Estate - Team photo: courtesy of Andrea Thompson

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