++ PICS: Castle Friends ++
Last Saturday, the Friends of Rothesay Castle gathered for a special event to mark St. Andrew’s Day, offering both an entertaining and educational evening at the historic castle grounds.
The event, which included live music, a fascinating talk, and Scottish fare, was well attended by both locals and visitors.
The evening kicked off with a lively performance by the Little Bute Ceilidh Band, who brought the spirit of Scottish music to the event with traditional tunes, inviting attendees to tap their feet and get into the festive mood.
Following the musical interlude, Scott MacFie, a historian with strong familial ties to the island, gave an insightful talk on farming on Bute during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Drawing on research he conducted at Mount Stuart, Scott presented an intriguing look at historical farming practices, backed by documents, farming reports, and letters from the period.
His presentation offered a fascinating glimpse into the island’s agricultural past, providing valuable context to Bute’s rural heritage.
Scott MacFie, whose grandfather, Robbie MacFie, was the Chairman of the Bute Agricultural Society, has deep roots in Bute’s farming community, making his talk all the more meaningful to those in attendance.
As the evening unfolded, guests enjoyed a selection of delicious Scottish treats, including wine, whisky, cheese, and traditional Scottish dumplings, all adding to the warmth of the occasion.
The event concluded on a high note with everyone joining in a rendition of Auld Lang Syne, marking a fitting end to a memorable evening that brought together history, culture, and community spirit in celebration of St. Andrew’s Day.
