Historic Scotland is hosting a conference, ‘Rebirth of the Palace’, with presentations by experts involved in the £12 million project to return Stirling Castle’s royal palace to how it may have looked in the 1540s.

The conference will take place at Pathfoot Lecture Theatre, University of Stirling on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November 2011.

Topics will include courtly life in Scotland and Europe in the sixteenth century, the influences on the architecture and decoration at Stirling and the magnificent Stirling Heads and unicorn tapestries. There will also be a presentation on the digital scanning of the Palace.


Delegates will also enjoy a reception in the Great Hall at Stirling Castle and tours of the newly refurbished palace.

Deborah Mays, Director of Policy and Outreach said: “The recreation of the Renaissance interiors was based on detailed research by academics and expert craftsmen to ensure the results are as close to the original interiors as possible.

“This conference will give people a fascinating insight into the amazing craftsmanship and historical research involved in the prestigious project to fully refurbish Stirling Castle’s six great royal apartments.

“It is really wonderful to see the positive reactions shown by visitors as they step back into the 16th century and see what life was like for Mary of Guise, the widow of James V, and their infant daughter Mary Queen of Scots.”

(GK)