Fall into Autumn Celebrations at Apple events across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is celebrating autumn harvest by inviting people to its annual Apple events across the country.

Article Source: National Trust for Scotland
Last Updated: 26 September 2024 14:20

The Trust is home to hundreds of varieties of apples, including many special, heritage species, and it carries out work year-round to preserve some of Scotland’s older and rarer varieties. To celebrate the arrival of autumn and harvest season, the conservation charity is hosting a series of events at many of its orchards across the country.

Colin Wren, Gardens & Designed Landscapes Manager at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “Our apple events across the Trust are a fun way to celebrate this wonderful fruit in a way that is enjoyable and engaging for people of all ages. With many games and activities, delicious food and drink, and of course the opportunity to explore our gardens, they offer something for everyone. But these events are also a way for us to enjoy this humble fruit and remind people not to take it for granted.

“We expect that a changing climate may affect many apple species so it’s important that we maintain the diversity of the fruits we grow. We want to ensure that these apples aren't lost, so we’re investing in a range of activities to conserve Scotland’s heritage varieties for generations to come.”

This year’s apple events include:

Pitmedden Garden – Ellon, Aberdeenshire
Sunday 29 September - 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Pitmedden’s orchard is home to more than 200 fruit trees, including the historical espalier apple trees that line its garden walls.

This year’s Apple Sunday event celebrates these humble trees with a day packed with autumnal fun for all ages, including music from Ythan Fiddlers, Tarves Folk Club, and Meldrum Academy; home baking, refreshments, and hot food; local craft and food stalls; woodturning demonstrations; face painting, storytelling, trails, and a craft area; and the Balloon Mannies and family lawn games. Guests can also treat themselves to some of Pitmedden Garden’s own delicious varieties of apples and pears.

Entry: a donation to the National Trust for Scotland; no booking required.

Falkland Palace & Garden – Falkland, Fife
Saturday 5 October – 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The 400-year-old orchard at Falkland Palace is bounded by willow beds and old apple, pear, and cherry trees are underplanted with lots of spring bulbs and a rich carpet of wildflowers.

This year’s Apple Day honours these heritage variety apples and guests can enjoy fresh apple juice from Falkland’s Apple Presse. They are even welcome to bring their own bottle to take some away. Apple Trees will also be on sale for those who wish to create their own apple harvest bounty.

Entry: a donation to the National Trust for Scotland is welcome; no booking required.

Harmony Garden – Melrose, Scottish Borders
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October – 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Harmony Garden is a peaceful escape with manicured lawns, scented borders, and fruit and vegetable beds overlooking Melrose Abbey.

Guests at this year’s Apple Weekend can retreat to this beautiful garden to admire heritage apple displays; participate in nature activities hosted by rangers from St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve; enjoy printing workshops hosted by the team from Robert Smail’s Printing Works; and experience the Britannia XIV re-enactment group.

On Saturday only, there will be local market trader stalls, alpaca walks, and Gaita medieval music.

Entry: £1.00 booked in advance online or cash on entry.

Kellie Castle & Garden – Anstruther, Fife
Saturday 19 October – Apple Display: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Lecture: 3:00p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The walled garden at Kellie Castle is filled with a variety of fruit, flowers, and vegetables and is entirely cultivated using only organic methods. This year, the team is hosting the Apples of Kellie event, where guests are invited to see an apple display in the undercroft all day, as well as buy produce for sale, and attend a fun-filled talk celebrating all things apple in the afternoon.

Colin Wren, Gardens & Designed Landscape Manager at the National Trust for Scotland, will discuss the Trust’s collection of apples and how it is preserving them, from taking graft material from old trees to produce new, young trees, to doing DNA testing to establish the names of some of the older varieties that have proved difficult to identify from fruits.

Entry: £5.89 booked in advance online.

The Apple events support the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to care for, share and protect Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone to enjoy, as outlined in its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022. These events help to deliver its engagement objectives to provide access and enjoyment for everyone.

Image: Falkland Palace Orchard
Image credit: National Trust for Scotland

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Blank Street pop up tram stop serves free coffee 24th and 25th January

Buzz worthy brand, Blank Street is coming to Edinburgh with the Blank Street Express Line, an immersive tram stop pop-up, designed to inject some magic into the mundane.

Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.

Diving Into History as Glenogle Swim Centre Hosts Great Lengths Exhibition

The ‘Your Health is for Life – Great Lengths’ exhibition comes to historic Glenogle Baths, a stunning Victorian facility in the heart of Stockbridge, as it marks its 125th anniversary year.

World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date

Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.

Roxy Rose Street launches Ballers Bottomless Brunch

Roxy Lanes Rose Street launches The Ballers Bottomless Brunch featuring 90 minutes of competitive fun with a game of your choice, bottomless drinks, and American-style sharers.

Milestone move as National Galleries of Scotland to host the Scottish Portrait Awards 2026

The Scottish Portrait Awards are back and bigger than ever, as the Scottish Arts Trust and National Galleries of Scotland announce a landmark move to the Portrait gallery for 2026!

Stay Active this January at Gravity Active

Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!

Beat the January Blues with Family Tickets Offer at Volcano Falls in Edinburgh

Volcano Falls is inviting families to get rid of the winter gloom with a special online-only offer – 20% off family tickets Sunday 19th January 2025!

Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh

Music superstar Ed Sheeran surprises young musicians in Edinburgh with visit to Tinderbox Collective to launch his new Foundation supporting music education.

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Celebrates Burns Night with an affordable set menu

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh will celebrate Burns Night on Saturday January 25th in honour of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns, with a chef-curated set menu for under £30.

Strike a PAWse: Brand new Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies

Dobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.

BrewDog launches brand new Touchdown Lager ahead of big game watch parties in Glasgow and Edinburgh

BrewDog, is partnering with Tesco to launch a brand new grid-iron inspired Wingman Lager. If only there was a massive game coming up that it could tie-in perfectly with...

Cruden Homes and City Of Edinburgh Council support North Edinburgh Community Festival with Donation

North Edinburgh Community Festival (NECF), one of the city’s most anticipated family-friendly events, has received a £2,000 donation from Cruden Homes and City of Edinburgh Council.

Scots brewery launches series of Iron Brew beers to beat January blues

Edinburgh-based brewer Vault City has paid tribute to an iconic Scottish drink, launching a four-part series of Irn-Bru-inspired sour beers.

Brace yourselves, burger lovers... Veganuary just got an upgrade!

Veganuary is well and truly underway and Fat Hippo's BurgerLab has been cooking up a limited-edition vegan masterpiece that proves going vegan doesn't mean skimping on the good stuff!

The Biscuit Factory announces a range of new events in celebration of its neighbours

The Biscuit Factory, housed in the historic Crawford’s Biscuits on Anderson Place in Leith, is thrilled to announce a slew of new and exciting events for 2025.

Roxy Leisure partner with Everleaf and Lucky Saint for Dry January

For Dry January 2025, Roxy Leisure is teaming up with premium non-alcoholic brands Everleaf and Lucky Saint, offering guests exclusive mocktails and promotions from 2nd - 31st January.

Coming This Month: Trio of Stunning Varna International Ballet Performances

Edinburgh Playhouse welcomes Varna International Ballet’s trio of stunning performances this month!

Dynamic Earth Expands Inclusive Access with New 2025 Relaxed Opening Dates

Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is excited to announce two additional Relaxed Opening Hours sessions as part of its continued commitment to inclusivity.

Lost Shore Surf Resort to Launch Inaugural Wellbeing Month in January

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf resort in Ratho, Edinburgh, is kicking off the New Year with its first-ever Wellbeing Month, launching on 1st January 2025.

First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.

The Edinburgh Gin Distillery At The Arches

World-renowned distillers, Edinburgh Gin, has opened the doors to its brand new distillery at The Arches.

Acclaimed Chinese art exhibit brings vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations to textile heartland of Scotland

A highly acclaimed textile exhibit celebrating part of China’s intangible cultural heritage will make its UK debut when it goes on display at the Great Tapestry of Scotland!

Back by popular demand: Murder on the Midnight Express returns to Somewhere By Nico

Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a limited time only.

Fort Kinnaird confirms festive opening hours

Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out with family and friends over the Christmas period.

Australian superstar Jason Donovan makes a much anticipated return to one of his most famous roles

Jason Donovan makes a much anticipated return to one of his most famous roles: playing Frank-N-Furter in Richard O'Brien's anarchic musical, The Rocky Horror Show at Edinburgh Playhouse.

Vault City toasts first ever supermarket listings for stout with major UK name

Jingle Brew: Edinburgh-based independent beer firm Vault City now has its Gingerbread Latte Imperial Stout stocked by Tesco in time for festive season.

Room to Recharge: Kimpton Hotels in Scotland launch new wellness program, Stay Well

Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched 'Stay Well', a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests 'feel good, travel better, and stay well' while travelling.

Two Weeks Til Edinburghs Hogmanay First Footin

The countdown to the New Year has begun as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay prepares for four days of events to ring in 2025, running from December 29th to January 1st.

Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day

After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Fall into Autumn Celebrations at Apple events across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is celebrating autumn harvest by inviting people to its annual Apple events across the country.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings