WATCH: Lord of the Rings star Billy Boyd visits Culzean Castle in support of National Trust for Scotland

Lord of the Rings star Billy Boyd showed his support of conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland, by paying a visit to Culzean Castle.

Glasgow-born Billy enjoyed a full day at the castle, receiving a guided tour of the grounds and beaches by Culzean Castle Ranger, Ashleigh Evans and a personal tour of the castle by head guide, Gordon Nelson.

Billy said: “This was my first trip to Culzean Castle and it absolutely did not disappoint.

“From the breath-taking castle, the entertaining stories of the Kennedys and their guests and the beautiful surrounding woodland and coastline, I was mesmerised.

“Living in Los Angeles, I miss the beauty and history of Scotland and visiting places like Culzean Castle reminds me how much I love this country.

“The National Trust for Scotland do such important work in caring for a protecting our most treasured places and spaces and we should all support them by visiting places like Culzean and enjoying a fabulous day out.”

Overlooking the Firth of Clyde near Maybole on the Ayrshire Coast, Culzean Castle is the former home of the Marquess of Ailsa, the chief of Clan Kennedy, but is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

Ashleigh Evans, Culzean Castle Ranger, spent a few hours with Billy as they toured the grounds.

She said; “Billy was a fantastic guest. He was so interested in the wildlife, the architecture and especially the stories of the Kennedys.

“It was wonderful to have the opportunity to show him around and we really hope to welcome him back with his family one day soon.”

Billy now lives in Los Angeles but spent much of his life in Glasgow.

He and his wife, fellow Scots actor Alison McKinnon married at the Oran Mor in the city’s west end in 2010, which fellow Lord of the Rings actors Elijah Wood and Dominic Monaghan attended.

Culzean Castle is gearing up for the summer season with a host of exciting events in the pipeline including; Explore Culzean’s Caves from June 30; Gangsta Granny Open Air Theatre on July 21 and the Culzean Dog Jamboree on 10th & 11th August.

For more info click here.