Falkland Palace

At the weekly meeting, Wendy Purves from The National Trust of Scotland encouraged Fifers, and others beyond Fife, to visit and re-visit, the treasure that is Falkland Palace and Gardens. Inspired by the grand châteaux of France, in the 16th century James IV and his son, James V, transformed this retreat for the royal Stuarts of Scotland – Falkland Palace stands as a fine example of Renaissance architecture in Scotland. More than anything, Wendy Purves enthusiastically encouraged local people to visit and revisit a site which resonates with much of our Scottish story. Tales of King James the 4^th, King James the 5^th, Mary – Queen of Scots and other notables have long association with Falkland Palace. A set of 17^th century tapestries that hang at Falkland were cleaned in recent times by the world famous De Wit Studios, in Mechelen, Belgium. Also on view after months of restoration work are the fully restored King’s Colours of The Scots Guards (The Scots Guards regiment was founded in 1642 by order of Charles I. In 1650, a year after his father was beheaded, Charles II came to Falkland Palace to present his Colours to the Scottish Life Guard of Foot). A Florentine painting c.1570 ‘Mystic Marriage of St Catherine’ that may once have hung at the Medici Chapel in Florence is painted on 6 boards of poplar wood. All of this exacting restoration work was undertaken at Falkland. Such a talk by this National Trust spokeswoman reminded all present that ‘a visit to Falkland Palace and Gardens’ is a must for young and old alike! Rotarian Kevin Laidlaw echoed this sentiment in his vote of thanks to Wendy Purves.