AS summer draws near a Borders attraction is ensuring that visitors start the season off on a high.

At Traquair House, near Innerleithen, the much-loved Medieval Fayre makes a welcome return to the historic site for the last weekend of May.

With thousands of guests expected to descend on the Borders attraction, the weekend promises to be a colourful one full of knights in armour, jousting and examples of medieval life.

The event kicks off in style with musket firing from the turret of the 12th century Traquair castle – a spectacular reminder of its history as a defensive pele tower.

Jousting displays on the grassed avenue from Les Amis D’Onno are a highlight of the weekend, as well as combat demonstrations, falconry displays and Medieval acrobatic jesters will be staging shows during the event.

In the Old Walled Garden you enter a virtual Medieval village with a wealth of traders and demonstrators including a Medieval forge, green woodworking, armoury, fletchers, rush hat making, stone carving and willow working.

Youngsters will be able to learn about medieval life by taking part in crafts and activities such as crown and wand making, archery, and a storytelling walk with Mistress Quill.

And for visitors interested in the bloody side of medieval history, the Perth executioner will be on hand to explain the many instruments of torture used.

The wandering minstrels Hautbois will be at the festival with their variety of strange instruments, Gaita will perform early music and dance in the gardens, and in the courtyard and chapel on Saturday the Galloway Consort will play.

There will also be plenty of tasty treats available across the weekend including a traditional hog roast, wood fired pizzas, haggis, crepes, and ice cream.

Traquair Medieval Fayre will run from Saturday, May 25 to Sunday, May 26, open from 11am to 5pm on both days.

Tickets for the fayre start at £13, with family tickets available.

For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.traquair.co.uk/book-tickets