RUNRIG STAR DONNIE MUNRO is to help launch an event aimed at keeping a historic Speyside Castle alive.
The former Runrig star is to perform at a banquet on June 20 to mark the start of the ‘Grantown 250: The Strathspey Seven Festivals’ – and the event will be staged in the grounds of Castle Grant.
Grantown 250 is being held to mark the laying of the first stone of the first building in the town, with an extravaganza from June 21 to 28 and its organisers are delighted that Donnie Munro will be there to open the festival.
Bill Sadler from the Grantown Society who are responsible for putting together the whole eight day festival added: “It is remarkable that Donnie has agreed to come and kick off our festival.
“We are very lucky to have him on board. What a way to begin what is sure to be a very exciting week. We are also thrilled that we are able to use the grounds of Castle Grant – it is a marvelous setting and has been used all throughout its history to host some wonderful parties and events.
“For example at the coming of age of the Countess, Lady Seafield in 1927 when close on 800 tenants, feurs, employees and townspeople gathered at Castle grant garden fete and the next day when some 750 children were entertained in the Castle grounds preceding a dazzling display of fireworks.”
Organising the event at the castle is Heather Fraser: “It is sure to be an amazing day and as well as the evening banquet which will include a three course meal and of course the entertainment from Donnie Munro, finishing off with a fantastic firework display we also have an afternoon event for the whole community.
“The afternoon event is a free family fun day and will include clowns, magicians, fun games, a bouncy castle and food.”
Last year, Castle Grant was repossessed from disgraced former Rangers owner Craig Whyte. It has a lively history and is supposedly haunted by the ghost of Lady Barbara Grant.
Tickets for the Castle Grant event which is for over 18s only are £25pp for the banquet and concert, £20 for the banquet and £5 for the concert.
These can be purchased by contacting Rosehall Guest House, 3 The Square, Grantown-on-Spey – tel: 01479 872721.