Dundee will celebrate a historic landmark’s special anniversary next week.
Pupils from across Dundee will be at the Howff graveyard to take part in a colourful re-enactment of events to mark its origins 450 years ago.
In 1564, Mary Queen of Scots granted the use of the orchard of the Grey Friars Monastery to be used as a cemetery, and it later be known as the Howff.
The name “Howff” is an old word meaning a “meeting place,” and there are many references to the site being used for this purpose.
The Bakers Trade met there in 1576 and in 1581 the agreement uniting the Nine Trades into one was signed in the Howff.
On Thursday, pupils will get the chance to try on period costumes and find out more about the historic day.
The children have been studying the Howff and have put together their very own licence, similar to the one Queen Mary used to grant the land.
Three of the children will read their document to Lord Provost Bob Duncan at the occasion.
The lord provost said: “Events such as this are vitally important. We need to continue to raise the profile of the Howff, and what better way than to get the younger generation excited about local history?
“It is of great historical significance and we need to work together to preserve the site, especially since many of us walk past it on a daily basis.”
The celebration has been organised in partnership with the Dundee Academy of Sport which has been working with pupils across the city, linking Dundee’s history to sport as well as health and wellbeing.
Abertay University and the Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee are also involved.
Project officer Shelley Booth said: “The pupils have really enjoyed finding out about the Howff. This event helps to promote active living, which encourages kids to get out in the fresh air and take in what Dundee has to offer.
“The Howff is just one example of the many interesting focal points that families can get involved in which is totally free.”
A similar event that anyone can attend will take place at 6.15pm on Thursday.
Lunchtime tours of the Howff will take place on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, at 1pm, bookable at Dundee City Council Archives on 01382 434494.
The Dundee Howff Restoration Group are identifying and recording memorials within the historic graveyard.