New manager for castles
A classics expert has taken over the running of two of the North-east’s oldest National Trust for Scotland castles – Drum Castle and Craigievar Castle.
Dr Alison Burke moves to the North-east from the award-winning Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway where she was Learning Manager.
Alison is well-qualified for the care of such historic buildings given her impressive academic credentials – she holds a PhD in the performance of Ancient Greek Tragedy, an MLitt in Classics, and an MA Hons in Classical Civilisation and Theatre Studies.
Alison is excited by the new challenges ahead, and explained what she hopes to achieve in the years ahead.
She said: “This is a dream come true for me - a chance to work with two of the country’s most beautiful castles. The historical significance of Drum and the captivating beauty of Craigievar made this role incredibly attractive.
“At Drum Castle, I am keen that it becomes a hub of activity, where everyone is welcomed and feels part of its history - a place where special memories are made - for people visiting from all over the world, for couples getting married, for children discovering more about the history of our country from Robert the Bruce to modern times, for gardeners exploring the long tradition of rose cultivation in Aberdeenshire.
“At Craigievar Castle I am keen to see the fragile beauty of the building and the grounds preserved. One of my first tasks will be to help establish a Friends of Craigievar Society whose main task will be to support the castle.” Drum Castle is open daily from 11.00am until 4.45pm until 31 August. From 31 August to 30 September it is open from Thursday until Monday from 11.00am until 4.45pm. The grounds are open all day, all year round.
Craigievar Castle is open daily from 11.00am until 5.00pm until 31 August. From 31 August to 30 September, it is open from Friday to Tuesday, also 11.00am until 5.00pm.
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Monday 21 May 2012
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