All roads lead to Bo'ness this weekend for Kinneil House's Roman Open Day

The popular event will see a Roman encampment established at the historic house alongside mediaeval re-enactors and a whole host of other family activities on Saturday, September 26.

The Roman themed event will also see Historic Environment Scotland (HES) welcome visitors to Kinneil House for free between 10am and 4pm in support of the national Doors Open Day scheme.

It’s an opportunity for members of the public to see inside the property and view the renowned 16th/17th century painted rooms as well as the period kitchen, while learning more about the site’s history.

For this date only there is no need to book in advance and no formal indoor tours – people can just turn up and wander inside to explore.

On the top floor of the house is a free exhibition from the Rediscovering the Antonine Wall project, showcasing Roman artefacts and games.

There’s a chance to meet some of HES’s stone masons who will be attending the event and sharing information about how beautiful 16th century stone carvings were made, and between 1pm and 2pm why not test yourself in a mediaeval hoopla tournament.

The ever-popular Roman encampment starring the Antonine Guard re-enactment group will be set up on the lawn. Meet its Legionaries, hear about Roman weaponry, armour and fighting techniques.

While Britannia XIV, a 14th century re-enactment group, will also be demonstrating crafts and skills of that time while bringing to life hand-to-hand combat techniques and training in a small arena throughout the day, performing alongside the Antonine Guard, so be ready for some skirmishes from across the centuries.

A number of additional, free, activities will also be provided by the Friends of Kinneil for families to enjoy between 11am and 3pm. Search for treasures in an archaeological sand dig, dress up in Roman costumes, get crafty and make small pots or Roman lamps out of clay or do some classic colouring in.

It's a chance to meet the volunteers and learn more about what the Friends do and how you can support them.

As well as all the Roman themed fun, Sustainable Thinking Scotland (STS) will be running a free ‘Bountiful Bo’ness autumn harvest event on Saturday from 1pm to 4pm in the walled garden at Kinneil Estate.

There will be a free community meal, market stalls and activities.

For more details about the autumn harvest event, visit their Facebook page.

For more details, about the Roman Open Day at Kinneil visit Historic Scotland’s event page and/or check Historic Scotland/Friends of Kinneil social media for updates.