Scottish Christmas traditions: authentic festive displays at Castle Fraser

In this week’s episode of Love Scotland, Jackie is getting ready to deck the halls with boughs of holly. As people across Scotland prepare for their own festive celebrations, we take a look at how the National Trust for Scotland creates authentic Christmas displays in its properties.

Dr Jo Riley from Castle Fraser has been leading a research project into traditional decorations and how they have changed over time. From garlands to gifts, candles to clementines, Jo has examined exactly how previous residents in homes like Castle Fraser would have celebrated.

To mark the end of the current series of Love Scotland, Jackie and Jo discuss the pagan roots of the festive season, why mistletoe didn’t always mean romance, and who it was that first brough yule logs to Scottish shores.

Find out more about Dr Jo Riley’s research by clicking here.

You can also get the latest visitor information on Castle Fraser, and all of our properties, on the National Trust for Scotland website.

Love Scotland will return in the New Year. Please remember to follow, rate and review the podcast on your podcast platform of choice.