Tickets for a conference of experts celebrating the remarkable £12 million refurbishment of Stirling Castle’s Royal Palace are now available at reduced price for this weekend’s event.

The conference, at the University of Stirling on Saturday and Sunday, is being addressed by specialists directly involved with the project, which recently returned the Royal Palace to its sumptuous former appearance from the 1540s.

Speakers will focus on this defining era in Royal courtly life, when the machinations of the Scottish monarchs and their court were at the centre of profound political changes in the nation’s fortunes.

The wider European context will also be discussed, as will the influences on architecture and decoration at Stirling Castle, which includes the magnificent Stirling heads and unicorn tapestries. A digital scanning of the Palace will also be featured amongst the presentations.

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Delegates will be able to enjoy tours of the newly refurbished Palace, and a reception in the magnificent Great Hall.

At Historic Scotland, Director of Policy and Outreach Deborah Mays said: “The conference is an opportunity to hear first hand from the academics and expert craftsmen who helped return the Palace to its original 16th century splendour.

“The recreation of these Renaissance interiors, which occupy the six great Royal apartments, was based on detailed research, and our speakers will give first hand accounts of just how this remarkable transformation was achieved.”

She added: “It has been very satisfying to see the marvellous reactions of visitors to the refurbished Palace, which brings to life the stories of such powerful historical figures as Mary of Guise, James V and VI, and the infant Mary Queen of Scots.”

Tickets for the conference, titled “Rebirth of the Palace”, have been reduced to £80 (from £120) for an adult, and £70 (from £96) for concessions, Historic Scotland members and students. Delegates who have already bought tickets have been refunded the difference.

(GK)