Falkland Palace
Another popular destination on the Outlanders Trail, fans of the show will recognise the town square from the opening episode of the series. This location is more unusual in so much as the palace is adjacent to the town of Falkland itself. It is right of the main street in as you go in, the main entrance gate just off the pavement. Many of Scotland’s historic sites are set back in their own grounds, and Falkland Palace does have its own grounds, but the palace is part of the town itself.
The Palace is a series of contrasts. There are parts of the building inaccessible and are ruins, but much of the palace is fully furnished and maintained. Photography inside is not allowed and despite being someone who takes dozens of photographs a week, I have to respect that. I bought the official guide book which has some marvellous pictures in it, and fascinating detail to look out for. The palace has a Hereditary Keeper who stays on site to look after the estate, using part of the palace as home.
Records indicate that there was a castle on this site by 1337, but construction of the palace wasn’t started until 1451 by James II. Work on a new palace commenced in 1501 by James IV. It has its own chapel which is one of many wow moments when you enter as it’s quite unexpected after walking through several of the rooms. The library has a secret door allowing access to a smaller room. This door has painted shelves with the spines from old leather-bound volumes glued on to make it blend in with the real thing.
The garden is well worth a visit. The first record of there being one here is 1451. It also features the world’s oldest tennis court, dating from 1539. It has four walls which were used in the game at that time. Apparently Mary Queen of Scots was fond of playing when staying here. There are also Swallows breeding here and I was lucky enough to see some young ones in their nests. It’s good to see a wildflower meadow, helping to improve numbers of insects and wildlife along with a beautiful orchard. I didn’t see any red squirrels, but it seems they are making a comeback in the grounds here.
I had a coffee in hand when I visited and for obvious reasons they wouldn’t allow me in with it. However, they allowed me to step over the chain across the entrance down from the ticket office to sit in the garden till I had finished it which was very nice of them. Well worth a visit. For anyone who drives around Scotland, the village carpark is free. I know, that’s a rare thing these days!
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