As a long-standing Member of Historic Scotland, I’d followed the progress of the palace project closely. It was fascinating to read the reports in the members’ magazine and press about all the work involved in recreating James V’s magnificent palace. I particularly enjoyed learning about the series of tapestries being woven at Stirling Castle and John Donaldson’s skilful carving of the replica set of the Stirling Heads. Needless to say, I was really looking forward to having the chance to see the fruits of all that work and to finally be able to see inside the royal apartments.
On the morning of the palace’s opening, I was totally surprised to find out when I arrived at the castle that I was about to be the first visitor to see the completion of the years of hard work by the various disciplines.
Before I went inside the palace, I did wonder if my high expectations would be met. I’m happy though to report that I certainly wasn’t disappointed. The recreation of the palace as it might have appeared in the 16th century is definitely an outstanding achievement.
The royal apartments look wonderful. The way they are presented is exceptionally good and the intricacy of the details – in the decoration, the embroideries, furniture and fittings, for example – is extremely impressive. I especially enjoyed seeing the tapestries and replica Heads in their new home – and also being able to see the original Heads in the new exhibition space. The trompe l'oeil ceiling was also something to marvel at.
Walking round the palace you really do get a feeling of the grandeur of the place. And also just how bright and colourful it would have been. That’s quite a surprise, I think, because we’re used to seeing the dull tones of faded old Masters and don’t normally imagine how vivid the colours in fabrics and paint would have looked originally. We had however previously got a taste of this with the pink exterior of the Great Hall.
As you tour the apartments, you do feel as if you’ve stepped back into the past. And seeing the beautiful costumes of the interpreters and performers, and hearing them speak as their characters from the Stewart court, really added to that.
I think my only criticism of my visit to the palace was that there was just too much to take in during my tour – so I'll definitely go back for another visit soon and I’ll certainly recommend to as many people as I can that they should too.
Guest blog by Liz Arnott of Lenzie, the first visitor through Stirling Castle's Renaissance royal palace at its opening on Saturday 4 June.
Liz, a retired teacher and a Historic Scotland member, is pictured with Gordon Barclay, Stirling Castle's longest-serving steward, and costumed interpreters Laura Tinch (dressed as Mary of Guise) and Duncan MacLachlan (dressed as nobleman Alexander Stewart).