What’s On Feb 2026
Sun 1st Feb 10am to 3.30pm FREE ENTRY DAY (book in advance)
(closed for lunch 12.30-1.15pm; last entry 2.30pm)
Free entry tickets can be booked in advance for the first Sunday of February as part of HES’s Historic Sunday initiative; go now to https://www.historicenvironment.scot/historic-sundays/ for tickets for 1st Feb (1st March tickets will be available from mid-Feb). You must book in advance and cannot get free entry otherwise (unless you’re an HES member!). The number of free tickets is limited per site and awarded on a strict time-of-booking order. Normal paid entry is available if you haven’t booked.
Special Performances – Sun 1st Feb only, 11am and 2.15pm
By Gerald and Geordie Duncan, singer and pianist, of “We came here for Shelter”
a very emotional song specially composed for the Eagle and the Unicorn project.
Also will be:
- tunes played on the piano by Jane, our excellent volunteer pianist;
- a slide show of views from the House refurbishment in 1995 alongside present day views.
Ends 1st Feb – EXHIBITION “The Eagle and The Unicorn”
A much acclaimed exhibition by Macduff Heritage Society supported by FoDH telling the stories of those Polish Soldiers from WW2 and their descendants, who made north east Scotland their home when returning to Poland was too dangerous, and who are now a vibrant part of our community.
The book, “The Eagle and The Unicorn”, is now available from Macduff Heritage Society and Friends of Duff House and The Museum of Banff. 112 pages, A5 size, includes all the information in the Exhibition and a little bit more! Priced at just £8.00, and can be posted to any UK address for an extra £3.20.
From Fri 6th Feb – EXHIBITION “POSTCARD TALES – Stories from the front and the back of 20th century Banff and Macduff postcards”.
Well over 1,000 different postcards of Banff and Macduff have been published since 1902. Many of the pictures on the front show views and objects that no longer exist, and invite the telling of their stories; sometimes there are even un-intended things in the picture! Equally, what people have written on the back often refers to local events, and not just “lovely weather; having a great time” – although there are many of those comments as well from visitors to Banff and Macduff! Includes an air-race, cruise ships, water shortages, military intelligence, Clergy Daughter School and cyclists, rocket lines and many, many more local and heritage stories.
Until 23rd Aug 2026: WORK IN FOCUS “Christ Delivered to the People” by Stanley Spencer
An interesting 1950 painting, oil on canvas, depicting Christ being led away after his condemnation. Pontius Pilate is sitting on the steps washing his hands; and the disciples have turned their backs and are scuttling away. Also interesting is how the personal life of the artist is in the picture too; the cruel faced woman to the bottom right with a grasping hand is thought to be Spencer’s second wife, Patricia Preece, who was at the time involved in divorce proceedings.
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Duff House is both an Historic Environment Scotland managed fully furnished period Country House and part of the National Galleries of Scotland with an extensive collection. Tel: 01261 818181.
Winter opening hours: to 31st Mar: Fri, Sat & Sun; 10am to 3.30pm (closed for lunch 12.30-1.15pm; last entry 2.30pm)
HES members free entry. Admission fee applicable (apart from pre-booked Historic Sundays free tickets) except to ground floor, incl shop and toilets. Disabled access to all floors.