Fort folks brave busy time

Jul 27 2012 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Friday

TAKE a step back in time this weekend by going along to the Duncarron Medieval Village open weekend.

The event is running from noon until 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors can experience 12th century life in the encampment inside the Duncarron Palisade including the kitchens, armoury, blacksmith, and field hospital.

And there is also the chance to meet the knights and have a go at archery.

There will be a food and drink stall and there are toilets and car parking on site.

Entry is by donation of £2 per person and some activities will have nominal fees. All proceeds go towards the construction of Duncarron.

There will also be a special appearance by the Clanranald’s own globetrotting musicians Saor Patrol.

The Duncarron Medieval Village within Carron Valley, relies on fundraising, donations and volunteers.

The village is being constructed by the Clanranald Trust, a charity headed by Charlie Allan.

It counts among its supporters Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe, whom Charlie met and became friends with while being involved in the filming of Gladiator and later Robin Hood. Crowe made good on a promise to visit the fort last summer and has actively promoted it as a potential movie location as well as arranging for a £60,000 battering ram from the set of Robin Hood to be handed over for use at Duncarron.

A Clanranald spokesperson said: “Our path network is completed outside the palisade. As construction inside is ongoing the terrain is not ideal for prams and wheelchairs, but if anyone has any queries they can contact us on (01259) 731010.”

Duncarron is situated in the Carron Valley, on the B818 road, Denny to Fintry, next to the Carron Valley Reservoir which can be found on Google maps. Mobile phone reception is limited depending on network provider. Banners will be hung at the site entrance to help pinpoint the location.

Clanranald will also be “braving” the world of Hollywood movies as members prepare to help celebrate the Scotland-wide opening of Disney/Pixar’s latest blockbuster film “Brave” at a screening at the Hippodrome cinema in Bo’ness on Friday August 3.

Eight members of the Clanranald Trust will be attending the evening screening (from 7pm, screening begins at 7.30pm). They will be mingling with the crowd before joining the audience to see the film that has the whole world talking.

Highland clans and clan life are at the heart of Brave's story.

The audience will have a chance to get their photograph taken with the “live action” characters from the famous animation.

Tickets, unless otherwise stated are £5.85/£4.55 concessions and can be booked through the central box office service at the Steeple in Falkirk – 01324 506850 – or at the Hippodrome at any regular screening.