A Perth theatre group has the chillingly fun task of creating some spine-tingling characters for the second annual Spirits of Scone event at Scone Palace.
With a real-life historic set as its backdrop, Ad-Lib Theatre Arts is drawing inspiration from folklore across Scotland for what organisers are promising will be "a fright night in the extreme".
Ad-Lib collaborated with Scone Palace on the inaugural Spirits of Scone event last year as they researched everything from witchcraft to cannibalism to put together the show, which runs for six nights from October 26th to October 31st. Folk tales and local history - including tales of a cannibal butcher, a gravedigger and a witch - have been used to create characters, as well as material for some spooky storytelling.
Local characters who provided inspiration include Bessie Wright, a Scone healer who was investigated for witchcraft in the early 17th century, and Christie-Cleek (real name Andrew Christie), a 14th century Perth butcher who turned to cannibalism, ambushing victims with a hook or ‘cleke' as they passed on their horse.
A host of creepy characters will appear around the Palace grounds along with some chilling special effects to form a Halloween "horrorscape", say organisers.
Vicky Glennie, events manager with Ad-Lib Theatre Arts, said:
"We've taken inspiration from folklore across Scotland and adapted them. We'll be taking scary stories and giving them a local twist to create a host of scary Spirits of Scone. Together with the gothic surroundings of Scone Palace, it promises to be a fright night in the extreme."
Heather McArthur, sales and events manager for Scone Palace, said:
"Luckily for our producers and actors, we have the best setting possible for Halloween frights. Scone Palace lends itself to being a real-life horrorscape, and we'll have characters and stories to keep everyone on tenterhooks."
There will also be a ghoulish selection of hot and cold food available. All children must be accompanied by an adult and, due to the nature of this event, it is not suitable for children under the age of eight.
Tickets and more information available atwww.scone-palace.co.uk
Scone Palace
One of Scotland\'s most recognisable tourist attractions, Scone Palace is the original home of the Stone of Destiny and site of the coronations of the Kings of Scots.
