Celebrating local heritage in style

Fought on May 13, 1568, the Battle was part of a civil war fought following Roman Catholic Mary Queen of Scots’ forced abdication the previous year, when her Protestant half-brother James Stewart, Earl of Moray, was appointed Regent on behalf of his nephew, Mary’s infant son James VI.

Mary avoided capture in the aftermath of the battle and eventually fled to England, from where she continued for several years to serve as the figurehead for her supporters in a struggle for power.

Did Mary, Queen of Scots watch the Battle of Langside from Linn Park?

There is some strength to the rumour that her retinue watched from Court Knowe as the short but decisive battle was fought, and there is a monument placed in her memory on the Knowe.

Over the weekend of May 12 and 13, a wide programme of events and activities in Queen’s Park Arena will take place to mark this historic event and celebrate the area’s rich past, present and future.

Friends of Linn Park are hoping for some sunny weather and invite you to bring your picnic along to Court Knowe to enjoy a glimpse into history as the events of the Battle are brought alive.

Dorothy Buchanan, from Friends of Linn Park, said: “It’s been great fun to put together an event to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the Battle of Langside. We hope to meet lots of people in the park that day to share the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, and have a fun, family day.”

Dr Alan Leslie, of Inherit, said: “Focused around Queens Park, the event is a real opportunity to draw on the collective strength to be found in the communities surrounding the park and to celebrate the area’s diversity and interconnected heritage traditions.”

Dr Leslie continued: “Langside 450 owes much to a wide range of people who have contributed their time, energy and skills to make it happen.

“But organising an event of this complexity is not easy, special thanks are therefore due to Inhouse, an events management company with responsibility for Queens Park Arena, who have pitched in from their own resources, standing back where possible to allow participants to learn from the experience and stepping in when needed to keep things on track.”

Kirsty Hood, director of Inhouse CIC and event manager for Langside 450, added: “It’s been a brilliant project to be involved in, a true community led event with content shaped by Langside Community Heritage, a group whose membership age ranges from 10-85.

“We hope that Langside 450 will be thoroughly enjoyed by all the diverse communities that live in the area, and will be a fitting start to Queens Park Arena’s 2018 programme of events.”

For further information, visit langside450.inhouse.scot.

Music, history, art and more...

In The Arena:

From noon-6pm each day Queen’s Park will play host to a variety of live performances from local groups – everything from traditional Scottish folk musicians to storytelling and a brand new theatre production ‘For Auld Langside’ written and performed by Baldy Bane and local schools groups.

Talks, tours and activities:

A series of talks and tours led by local historians will share knowledge about the battle itself and the legacy of the local area in the 450 years since. There will also be a range of hands on activities suitable for all the family including archeological arts and crafts activities led by Langside Community History group and Historical Environment Scotland, falconry display and handling, a meet and greet with a fortune telling goat and appearances by Mary Queen of Scots.

At Langside Library a pop-up exhibition and a new publication on history of the battle of Langside and its enduring legacy is available now.

Family Picnic:

The story of the Battle of Langside will be re-counted through theatre and song, and on May 12, between 11am-2pm, Friends of Linn Park will be hosting a family picnic plus games, face painting, swordsman-ship lessons, pennant design and a treasure hunt. Tea, coffee and juice available and a home baking stall.

Procession:

A grand procession involving local community groups and residents following the routes of the conflicting armies and the battle site itself. The procession will begin at 1.30pm on May 13 outside Langside library where it will continue up past the Battlefield monument and onwards to Queens Park.