To mark the beginning of the North-East Clan Fortnight, visitors to the University of Aberdeen will have the opportunity to enjoy a day of illustrated talks about our amazing and fascinating heritage.
Hosted jointly by the University's Elphinstone Institute and Aberdeenshire Council, "Your North East" is a day long conference, which will form part of celebrations to showcases our clan ancestral homelands, history and tradition.
On Monday (July 20), you can be entertained by the foremost speakers in archaeology, North-east castle landscapes, heraldry, tartan, Doric verse and fiddle music, in the comfortable surroundings of King's College Conference Centre.
First speaker, Moira Greig, Aberdeenshire Council's "Flying Archaeologist" will describe the aerial survey of the Aberdeenshire historic landscape.
She will be followed by Dr Shannon Fraser, a regional archaeologist with National Trust Scotland, who has discovered many new perspectives on NTS properties, including Craigievar, Castle Fraser, Drum, Leith Hall and Pitmedden.
Often of interest to Ancestral tourists, Heraldry in Family History will be highlighted by Heritage Strategy Consultant, Gordon Casely, while Dressed to Kilt from Brian Wilton, Director of the Scottish Tartans Authority promises a contemporary view of Tartan.
Following a vegetarian-friendly buffet lunch, the programme restarts with guest performers demonstrating the rousing Doric ballad and fiddle tradition.
The extraordinarily rich interiors of Aberdeenshire's castles and great houses are the subject of NTS curator, Ian Gow's talk and Professor Paul Dukes' will discuss his recent research into North Easters Abroad, including Peter the Great's tutor, Gordon of Auchleuchries.
The day will be drawn to a close by Dr Ian Russell, chairman for the day and Elphinstone Director.
Aberdeenshire Provost, Bill Howatson, said: "This conference is a not to be missed opportunity for anyone with an interest in the heritage of Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen. The fascinating range of talks will inspire visitors and residents to discover the richness of the Aberdeenshire's heritage for themselves".
The tickets, £25 including coffee and lunch, are bookable in advance. For details visit www.abdn.ac.uk/elphinstone the day commences at 9.30am and ends 4.45 pm.
Further information on Homecoming activities taking place across Aberdeen City and Shire can be found at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/homecoming