Scottish Folkloric Evening
Monday, June 30
First recorded in a royal charter of 1153, Prestonfield House was built in 1687 by Sir James Dick who, as Provost of Edinburgh, was a close friend of the Duke of York, later James II and VII. Sir James was one of Scotland's most prosperous merchants, and the Dutch gables on the façade of the house commemorate his trade with the Low Countries, as do many of the original contents within. An outstanding example of Scotland's architectural heritage, Prestonfield was opened as an hotel in 1958 and has become recognised internationally as one of Scotland's most prestigious dining and entertainment venue. Guests - in more recent times - continue to include royalty and famous names from the world of arts and politics.
The Monday night special dinner and live entertainment - featuring international stars Colin Stuart, Ken McGinty, Jimmy Leslie, Mary Oliver and the Prestonfield Dancers - will take place in the unique Round Stables of Prestonfield House. Originally built in 1816, the Stables provide a setting without equal for this magnificent display of traditional Scottish entertainment.
Only 5 minutes from Princes Street in the centre of Edinburgh, Prestonfield House can be viewed from Arthur's Seat encircled by trees planted in the shape of the ace of clubs. Tradition has it that an owner of the House, losing heavily at a game of cards, staked everything on a turn which he won with the ace. To celebrate his luck, he planted sores of trees in the pattern which remains to the present day. Prestonfield House lies at the centre, surrounded by parks and gardens in which Highland cattle and peacocks roam undisturbed by modern life and the proximity of Scotland's capital.