IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 2023
JEDBURGH, SCOTTISH BORDERS — Prepare to be enchanted as Monteviot House & Gardens unveils its inaugural winter light trail event, Monteviot Lights, illuminating the natural beauty of the Scottish Borders on nine dates between November 30th to December 10th, 2023. This captivating spectacle promises to be a magical experience for families and visitors of all ages.
Monteviot Lights is not just another light show; it’s a unique opportunity to witness the first lighting and audio spectacle in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Unlike traditional light installations, Monteviot Lights embraces the natural backdrop of Monteviot Gardens, accentuating the beauty of nature itself. Visitors are in for a treat, with an unforgettable evening of wonder and enchantment.
This captivating outdoor illuminated journey unfolds within Monteviot House’s spectacular gardens as dusk settles over the historic grounds. Starting at Harestanes Visitor Centre, you’ll walk a 1.5km route through beautifully lit gardens and woods. Creative lighting brings nature to life, complemented by breathtaking soundscapes. Pass through the magic doorway to encounter a symphony of twinkling lights, casting a spellbinding glow. Each step reveals a new spectacle, inviting you to immerse yourself in the ethereal ambience. Follow the illuminated pathway winding through the grounds, leading to a captivating winter fairytale. Visitors are invited to take their time and to enjoy locally sourced food and drink also available at the event.
The light trail seamlessly incorporates the garden’s natural surroundings and key features, creating immersive experiences, produced by NL Productions, who have over 50 years’ experience of delivering large-scale events, including The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry; Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle; and Edinburgh Zoo’s Halloween Spooktakular and Christmas Nights.
The event aims to attract 7,500 visitors in its inaugural year while focusing on long-term growth and sustainability, aiming to preserve the natural environment that the event beautifully illuminates.
The family behind the event has been instrumental in its creation and eagerly invites visitors to share in the experience. Michael, 13th Marquis of Lothian, expresses excitement about hosting the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail. He commented, “We are delighted to be hosting the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail; it is thrilling for me to see the gardens my family and I have spent many years creating come to life with the beautiful lighting trail that is planned. As a family we have had a vision for this event, and it is such an exciting time to see it all come to life. It will not only be a wonderful event for us at Monteviot but we hope for everyone across the Borders. We look forward to welcoming you to Monteviot Lights.”
Phil O’Halloran, NL Productions Event Producer, shares his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the magical experience of creative lighting and soundscapes, created in collaboration with Serena Foyle, amidst Monteviot Gardens’ natural beauty. He commented, “We are very excited to be producing Monteviot Lights and can’t wait for everyone to experience the beauty of the trail in these stunning natural spaces. It is thrilling that this will be the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail. Monteviot Gardens is a wonderful location with paths meandering through historic woodland, past ponds, and amongst awe-inspiring gardens. Families will have the chance to experience an evening of pure magic as creative lighting and soundscapes bring the winter landscape to life.”
Event Details:
- Dates: November 30th – December 3rd and December 6th – 10th, 2023
- Time: 16.30 – 19.30
- Tickets: Sold in 15-minute timeslots
- Location: Monteviot House & Gardens, Jedburgh, Scottish Borders
- Parking: As you arrive at Harestanes Visitor Centre, enjoy food and drink along with toilet facilities. Support small local businesses like Buy Design Gallery, Out-There Artisan, Rub-A-Dug-Dug, Harestanes Glass Studio, and Mary’s Dairy, all based at Harestanes Visitor Centre.
Join us at Monteviot Lights for a winter wonderland like no other. For more information, ticket bookings, and updates, visit our website www.monteviotlights.co.uk
ENDS
For press inquiries, images, or interviews, contact Ginny Lawson at 07703 479 456 or email ginny@ginnylawsonpr.com.
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- Instagram – www.instagram.com/monteviotlights
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- Website – www.monteviotlights.co.uk
About Monteviot Lights: Monteviot Lights is a breathtaking winter light trail event held at Monteviot House and Gardens near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders. It offers a unique and enchanting experience for families and visitors of all ages, illuminating the natural beauty of the region. This event is the Scottish Borders’ first winter light trail.
About NL Productions: NL Productions is a creative event production company with an award-winning team behind some of Scotland’s greatest events and attractions. They offer a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise for various clients, producing events such as the Enchanted Forest, Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle and Spooktacular at Edinburgh Zoo.
About Monteviot House & Gardens: Monteviot House and Gardens are a magnificent natural oasis with a rich history in the Scottish Borders. This ancient site, traversed by the Roman road Dere Street, has been in the possession of the Kerr family since the 16th century. The current house, initially an early 18th-century lodge built by the 1st Marquis of Lothian, stands amidst gardens that sprawl over approximately thirty acres. These gardens are a testament to centuries of development, recently enhanced by the 13th Marquis to create what is now considered one of Scotland’s premier gardens. The site boasts a remarkable diversity of garden areas, each with its own unique charm.
The Arboretum showcases a stunning variety of trees, some dating back to the 19th century. The Dene Garden, a more contemporary addition, features four ponds, a lead fountain, wooden and stone bridges, and a dam walkway. The River Garden, encircled by yew hedges, takes center stage and offers picturesque views of the River Teviot and the fertile farmland of the Scottish Borders.
The Laburnum tunnel, created to mark the Millennium, is a captivating light installation, while the modern Oriental Water Garden, complete with islands fed by a spring and interconnected by wooden arched bridges, adds an enchanting touch.
The Herb Garden, designed by the 9th Marquis, graces the front of the historic lodge. Below, the Rose Garden, recently renovated by the 13th Marquis and his wife Jane, presents a fragrant and colorful spectacle.
Lastly, the Garden of Persistent Imagination stands as the most daring and innovative of all the garden areas, boasting a fascinating array of natural stone structures.
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