Little-known
historical gem Crookston Castle is Glasgow's only surviving medieval castle. The
Storytellers in Residence project aimed to bring the castle back into
community use and increase its profile outside the area.
storyteller in residence for
crookston castle
the last castle in glasgow
Little-known
historical gem Crookston Castle is Glasgow's only surviving medieval castle. The
Storytellers in Residence project aimed to bring the castle back into
community use and increase its profile outside the area.
Using storytelling, patter, songs, events and games, historian Alan Steel and storyteller Gerry Durkin brought the castle back to life.
Gerry and Alan provided guided visits to the castle for all ages, as well as devising themed visits for school groups linked to the 5-14 curricular areas of the weather and knights and castles.
As well as group visits, summer picnicers and wanderers were encouraged to make impromptu visits, and special events were held in the atmospheric location: these have included "the Scariest Night of All" on Hallowe'en, Carols for Christmas and traditional ceilidhs. In June 2006 a Medieval Day was held at the castle with re-enactment groups, African drummers and many other exhibitors portraying aspects of life in medieval times. Over 650 people of all ages attended this event which was heralded as a major success for the project. December 2006 saw the climax of this project with a Wassailing event held at the castle. This lively event included the singing of wassail chants and carols, drinking from the wassail bowl and the appointment of the Abbot of Unreason.
The project ran for three years and in that time more than 8000 people either took part in events held at the castle or heard of this historical monument through our outreach activities.
Further visits with schools or nurseries will be held this year during the school summer term (April through to June) and hopefully some funding will be secured to allow activities during July and August.
The site is open 09.30 - 18.30 Mon - Sun
from April to September.
09.30 - 16.30 Sat - Wed October to March
If you want to arrange a visit for your school, club, workplace, or family, or are interested in volunteering, please contact Margaret at the Village.
Due to the enormous success of this project the Friends of Crookston Castle and Grounds group has been formed to carry forward the work of keeping this heritage resource alive.
A short five minute film was made showing various activities at the castle over the period of the project, if you wish to view this film click below.
The project was funded by:
Greater Glasgow Council Culture and Leisure