Celebration of the Centuries
More than twenty centuries of history are to be brought to life at the Highland fortress of Fort George in a weekend-long celebration as the fort is transformed into a real-life timeline, charting key periods of history through the ages.
Over the course of the weekend more than 200 historical re-enactors and performers from across the country will depict 2,000 years of history, from the Romans through to Napoleonic times and right up until the Second World War. Visitors will be able to explore living history camps, witness dramatic performances and discover more about this working military fort – one of the finest in Europe.
This year’s event will also mark a number of important anniversaries, spanning from the Renaissance period through to 1940. Celebrating 500 years since the birth of Mary of Guise, mother to Mary Queen of Scots, visitors will have the chance to discover more about this famous royal figure. Meanwhile, Napoleonic era demonstrations and live performances featuring the largest gathering of redcoat soldiers the event has seen will mark the bicentenary year of the Battle of Waterloo.
The event will also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain as a Spitfire takes to the skies in a skilful aerial display.
Commenting ahead of next month’s event at Fort George, Lorna Ewan, Head of Visitor Experience, Content and Learning at Historic Scotland, said:
“This year’s Celebration of the Centuries event will mark significant anniversaries of 2015, from the birth of a Renaissance queen, to the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo and 75 years on from the Battle of Britain. However, a number of firm favourites will also return, such as the opening parade, featuring all the costumed performers, along with the live performances and the entertaining aerial display.”