On Sunday 19th of April (12 noon – 4.30 pm), Winton House near Pencaitland in East Lothian is inviting visitors to its annual Family Spring Open Day, with funds being raised for The Bethany Christian Trust, the Scottish charity for the homeless, and Scotland’s Gardens which supports Maggie’s, the cancer care charity.

James Maynard, Winton’s General Manager, describes what’s on:

“Elite Falconry are bringing their birds of prey, and they’ll be putting on one of their dramatic falconry displays at about 2.30pm. They hope to bring up to five of their beautiful birds of prey: a Harris Hawk, an Indian Eagle Owl, a Tawny Owl, a Golden Eagle and a Striated Caracara (from the Falkland Islands).”

Roxanne Peggie from Elite Falconry says: “There are lovely open grounds in Winton’s gardens with trees at the edges and no power lines or roads. This makes for a perfect setting, trees for the Harris Hawks to fly from and a beautiful backdrop for photos.”

“There will be lots of family entertainment at the Open Day: face painting, a bouncy castle with slides, trampolines, archery, ‘have-a-go’ Highland games and an opportunity to go through the grounds on our new segways,” adds James Maynard.

Picnickers are also welcome and garden enthusiasts will enjoy walking through the gardens. Head Gardener, Toby Subiotto, adds: “Visitors will be able to see Winton’s famous wild daffodils in full bloom. Early flowering cherries, shrubs, hellebores, cyclamen and early bulbs should also be on display.”

Entrance to the Open Day is free for children and £4 per adult.

There is plenty of parking near the house. More information at www.wintonhouse.co.uk