A new tour has been launched to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the release of The Wicker Man.
Award-winning storytellers Mostly Ghostly have created the Tombs ’n’ Tales of Old Anwoth tour, which will include the iconic Anwoth Old Kirk and graveyard – which sits across the road from another filming location, the old schoolhouse.
With celebrations planned in Galloway this weekend to mark the anniversary, the first tour will be on Saturday with a second on Monday.
Mostly Ghostly founder, Kathleen Cronie, said: “We’re delighted to be launching a new tour at Anwoth Old Kirk in this, The Wicker Man’s 50th anniversary year. The kirk is steeped in history; its surrounding churchyard a fascinating library of life stories, honouring love, loss, triumph and tragedy.
“Our tour will weave together episodes from the area’s rich past; blending history and folklore, culture and tradition, amidst this dreamily atmospheric setting.
“We’re excited at the prospect of welcoming our first guests, where they will discover intriguing, and at times, poignant, stories secreted within this peaceful locale. For any Wicker Man fans drawn by the film, we hope to connect them with lesser-known elements of the site, immersing visitors in layers of history, folklore, outstanding folk art and, of course, a collection of anecdotes and reflections from the movie.”
The tour will look at the history of Anwoth kirk with the story of Samuel Rutherford featuring prominently.
The team will also reveal funerary customs and fascinating discoveries, including an ancient cross and “witch stone” – the latter now in the care of Stewartry Museum.
On Sunday night, Newton Stewart Cinema is showing a 50th anniversary restoration cut of the film. The evening gets underway at 7pm and includes a preview of a new documentary called Return to Summerisle.
Also in attendance to answer questions will be actress Lesley Mackie, who played Daisy in the film, and Justin Hardy – son of film director Robin.
Monday evening will see the burning of a mini wicker man at Burrowhead – where the original was burned during filming 51 years ago.
Julie Izon-Williams, who is co-organising The Wicker Man festivities, said: “I have visited and photographed many of the locations seen in The Wicker Man. When I first set eyes on the old kirk and schoolhouse at Anwoth, it took my breath away. A little pocket of history engulfed by peace and quiet.
