Callendar House
It’s quite a surprise to see a French-style chateau in the middle of central Scotland. There has been a residence here of one sort or another since the 12th century and the site has placed host to many famous historical figures including Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. The building has gone through extensive work and remodelling over the centuries, with what we see today very much a product of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It is set in parkland which is ideal for a walk and is now open to the public as a museum and archive, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of the surrounding area.
For those who are on the Outlander Trail, this is yet another stop, with the impressive Georgian kitchen being used to film some scenes for the series. Built in 1785, the kitchen is a highlight and it is believed to be the largest one from that period in Scotland.
The house features a couple of reproduction shops to illustrate the trade and industry of the area. These include a Watchmaker’s shop from the early 1800’s, a printers and a vinyl record shop. You really feel you are stepping back in time. For those interested in old records, you can also visit a reproduction record shop from the nineteen sixties in the Transport Museum in Glasgow. I had no idea there was one in Callendar House, so I was very excited to discover it.
I have a fascination for Grandfather clocks, and I was delighted to see some examples of these within the house. There is also a Roman Gallery where you can learn about the influence of the Romans on Scotland. There is also information on the church and when Oliver Cromwell stormed the building in the siege of 1651. The morning room has been turned over to a tea room where you can get a coffee and a scone. There is also the Park Gallery featuring contemporary art, showcasing the work of local and international artists.
I hadn’t visited for many years so was surprised and delighted to have seen the work that has gone into opening up the house to the public and providing such interesting exhibitions relating to Scotland’s past with the focus very much on the local area. I intend to go back this year as there was so much to see and take in I feel I need another visit to fully appreciate it.
The Fiction Factory 