Literature festival another chapter in story of Callendar House

LandWords will focus on Falkirk’s landmark historic building, its surrounding parkland and the local community.

The event, which takes over two weekends – the other on May 14 and 15 – will also explore many of the stories surrounding the building along with some of today’s best writers and illustrators.

Produced by Edinburgh International Book Festival in collaboration with Falkirk Community Trust, it is supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery.

This weekend’s events, many of which are free to take part in, are inspired by the anniversary of the birth of John Muir.

There is also lots of local involvement.

Author Kerry Hudson and performance artist Donna Rutherford have been working with Graeme High School pupils and members of the Step Forth Walking Group to capture their creative responses to the majestic house and its surroundings.

There is also an opportunity for young visitors to create their own sketchbook to record their visit to Callendar House. Working with Eilidh Muldoon they will have an chace to use the original 19th century letterpress and take home their own handmade book.

Archaeologist Geoff Bailey will give talks on both days, one on the landscapes of Callendar House, Kinneil Park and Muiravonside, while the other will give a whistle-stop guide to 3500 years of local history.

Falkirk’s own acclaimed author Alan Bissett will be joined by other local writers, including Janet Paisley, in a cabaret-style performance featuring their work from the What the F**kirk anthology produced last year.

Both days will also feature Louise Wyllie in conversation with arts journalist Jan Patience to coincide with the Park Gallery’s exhibition of her father George Wyllie’s work, Locomotives.

Janet Smyth from Edinburgh International Book Festival said: “Both our LandWords weekends bring together authors, artists and storytellers to explore our sense of identity and how it relates to history and place.

“It is all inspired and hosted by Callendar House and its grounds. We want to know how we tell our own stories of the places that shape us and how those stories fit with recorded history.”

Ian Scott, chairman of Falkirk Community Trust, said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Edinburgh Book Festival on this fascinating event. Combining culture and heritage from across the

Falkirk area, this is a new approach to celebrating the Festival of Museums which we hope will bring new visitors from the area and beyond”.

DATES AND TIMES

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

The LandWords Project with Kerry Hudson and Donna Rutherford: 10.30am, Free, suitable for all ages.

Print, Fold, Stamp, Doodle! Print Making and Book Makinig with Eilidh Muldoon: 11 am, £3.50, For ages eight to 12.

The Country Estate in Falkirk with Geoff Bailey: 11.30am, £5 (£3.50), suitable for all ages.

Callendar House: Tales Through Time with MacaStory: 11.30am, £5 (£3.50), suitable for all ages (under 8s must be accompanied by an adult).

Make Your Own Sketchbook with Eilidh Muldoon: 2pm, Free, Ages five to seven, Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Nature Walk and Writing Workshop with Linda Cracknell: 2.30pm, £5 (£3.50), All ages.

Callendar House: Tales Through Time with MacaStory: 2.45pm, £5 (£3.50), suitable for all ages (under 8s must be accompanied by an adult).

Louise Wyllie and Jan Patience: The Making of George Wyllie: 3pm, £5 (£3.50) suitable for all ages.

Falkirk Voices: An Evening with Alan Bissett and Pals: 6.30pm, £5 (£3.50) suitable for all ages.

SUNDAY, APRIL 17

The LandWords Project with Kerry Hudson and Donna Rutherford: 10.30am, Free, suitable for all ages.

Make Your Mark: Build a Giant Collage of Callendar House with Eilidh Muldoon: 11am, Free, suitable for all ages.

The History of Falkirk in 10.5 Objects with Geoff Bailley: 12.30pm, £5 (£3.50) suitable for all ages.

LandWords – Celebrtion Tea and Tales: 2pm, Free, suitable for all ages.

Callander Hosue: Tell Your Story with MacaStory: 2.15pm, £5 (£3.50) suitable for all ages.

Louise Wyllie and Jan Patience: The Making of George Wyllie: 3pm, £5 (£3.50) suitable for all ages.

Tickets can be booked online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/venue/EGJLHL or by calling 01324 506850. Depending on availability, tickets may be purchased on the day of the event.