THE launch new outdoor exhibition at a Borders visitor attraction has been hailed as "great start" to the Easter break.
On Saturday, April 1, visitors to Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott, were the first to enjoy a new sculpture story trail.
Witch Corner, named after Scott's favourite section of the Abbotsford Library where he had a collection of 250 rare books on the occult, features 12 displays, a play area, and a witch's cottage shop.
On Saturday children were the first to receive an activity booklet to use around the trail – full of activities and clues to solve.
Adults were able to learn more about the trail through an audio guide housed on Abbotsford's new app.
Giles Ingram, chief executive at Abbotsford, said: “It’s fantastic to have Witch Corner open to the public after over a year in development.
“Our launch event was a great start to the Easter holidays for the many local families in attendance, with an Easter egg hunt, face painting and a first look at Witch Corner.
“Witch Corner is an exciting new way to experience Sir Walter Scott’s storytelling with interactive content for all ages and we can’t wait to welcome more visitors to the trail.”
Children in fancy dress received free entry to Witch Corner on Saturday.
Witch Corner was officially opened by Abbotsford's collections and interpretation manager Kirsty Archer-Thompson and Sir Walter Scott, played by John Nicol.
Ms Archer-Thompson said: “It was an absolute joy to open Witch Corner and see so many local people come and support this new addition to the Abbotsford visitor experience.
"This is the culmination of more than 18 months of hard but very enjoyable work, shaping something that comes straight from the pages of Walter Scott’s world-famous Library.
“Scott was so passionate about getting young people enthused in history, literature, legends and myth, but he thought that was best done in an enjoyable and experiential way – visit places associated with that history, imagine stepping into someone else’s shoes…that’s how we make sense of the past and make connections to our present.
"That’s what Witch Corner is really about underneath it all, but that doesn’t mean our journey through Scott’s 'fairy web of light and darkness' isn’t hugely enjoyable for visitors of all ages!”
Witch Corner was brought to life thanks to donations from Museums Galleries Scotland and South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).
Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland said: "The trail brings Scotland’s history alive in an exciting way through exploring folktales and the magical stories of Walter Scott. This is a perfect example of how interacting with heritage can be fun, playful, and a great day out for all ages.”
Professor Russel Griggs, chair of SOSE, added: “We are delighted to have supported The Abbotsford Trust to create this trail inspired by the works of Sir Walter Scott.
“The trail will be enjoyed by visitors of all generations, ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer for tourism in the South of Scotland."
Day tickets for Witch Corner are £5.50 per person with annual tickets including a year’s free parking at Abbotsford also available.
Witch Corner is open everyday 10am- 5pm (last entry 4pm).
For more information and for tickets, visit: family.scottsabbotsford.com.
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