Scotland's oldest inhabited house offers virtual tours

Scotland's oldest inhabited house has found a new and inventive way to show people around with online virtual tours.

Traquair House, in Peeblesshire, was forced to close its door to visitors due to the coronavirus outbreak, and owners say they are unsure when they will be able to reopen.

21st Lady of Traquair, Catherine Maxwell Stuart, came up with the idea of filming free mini tours around the historic building and grounds for people to watch and learn from while they are unable to visit.

Traquair House maze. Credit: PA

She said: “Our idea is to build up a box set of around 20 mini videos which will give people an introduction to the history of the house and enable you to see into the rooms online.

"They are all filmed on an iPad so intended to be more quirky and home made as opposed to a polished professional product but you are guaranteed a personal insight into this extraordinary home.”

People from around the world have tuned in to watch the videos on Youtube.

“We need to keep showing people all the wonderful places there are to visit in Scotland to inspire visitors to come back and visit us when lockdown restrictions are eased”

Traquair dates back more than 900 years to 1107 and has been lived in by the Stuart family since 1491.

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