Come along and transform yourself into one of the weird and wonderful beasts of Stirling Castle [3].

The outside of the Royal Palace is decorated with a whole menagerie of carved stone creatures from lions and wild boars through to mythical monsters and even a she devil with the tail of a scorpion.

As part of the nationwide Big Draw, Historic Scotland, which cares for the Castle, has organised special mask-making sessions on 13th and 14th October 2007.

Visitors will be invited to not only look at the carvings on the Palace but also use the animals and beasts from paintings and tapestries within the Castle to create their own beastly work of art.

Sheena Garden, Historic Scotland Interpretation Manager, said: ‘It’s time to delve into the world of beastly myths and legends at Stirling Castle.

We will be asking children to draw inspiration from the fascinating carvings and art within the Castle, but at the same time really let their imagination run wild when creating their masks.

There will be nothing comforting about some of the scary creatures I’m sure will appear! It promises to be a really fun event for the whole family.’

Where the Wild Things Are mask-making event is on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October at Stirling Castle. Sessions begin at 11.00am, noon, 2.00pm and 3.00pm.

The event is free after Stirling Castle admission. During October, entry to all Historic Scotland properties including Stirling Castle is free for children during October. Families can also take part in the Cartoon Caper, searching for 10 historical cartoon characters hidden around the attraction.

• Stirling Castle is at the head of Stirling’s Old Town and off the M9. Stirling Castle admission: adult £8.50, concessions £6.50, children are free throughout October.
  
  
• Stirling Castle, with its splendid decorative stonework and mass of still complete buildings, is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Europe. It is also the royal residence that best represents the Stewart dynasty in Scotland.
  
  
• The Cartoon Caper is part of the Historic Scotland Kids Go Free campaign. Historic Scotland commissioned Scottish artist Alice Druitt to specially create the ten cartoon characters covering as many periods of history as possible. After completing the trail, budding cartoon detectives will win a special gift. Details will then be entered into a prizedraw to win a VIP trip to Edinburgh Castle, art session at Doodles Ceramic workshop, signed originals of the historic cartoon characters artwork by Alice Druitt and lots more art goodies.
  
  
• ‘Kids Go Free’ throughout October at Historic Scotland attractions listed below. Children must be under 16yrs and accompanied by a full paying adult (maximum of 6 children per paying adult). For further information and opening times, please visit Historic Scotland Kids Go Free [4] or text ‘KIDSFREE’ to 84118, or call 0131 668 8926.
  
  
• The Big Draw runs from 1 to 31 October 2007, with a special focus on Saturday 13 October. Throughout the country, over 1000 venues - including galleries, museums, science centres, heritage sites, libraries, community and shopping centres, colleges, schools and art clubs - will be hosting drawing activities suited to all levels of ability. Participants of all ages will be invited to come along to experiment with a variety of medium, including pencils, crayons, charcoal, sand and digital imagery. For further information The Big Draw Campaign [5].