Dirleton Castle Sessions is a new series of intimate live-music evenings held within the ruins of Dirleton Castle — one of Scotland's oldest and most atmospheric medieval castles, standing at the heart of East Lothian since the 13th century.

Each session brings a handful of fine local and visiting musicians together for a single evening of live performance, framed by 800-year-old sandstone walls and the castle's celebrated gardens. Sixty-five seats, candlelight, and the open sky.

A share of every ticket goes to the Dirleton Village Charity, which supports the village and its primary school. Come for the music, the setting, or simply a beautiful evening in the East Lothian countryside.

Dirleton Castle is one of the oldest and most romantic castles in Scotland. Built in the 13th century by the de Vaux family, its warm sandstone ruins have watched over the village of Dirleton for more than 800 years.

The castle passed through the Halyburton and Ruthven families before it was partly dismantled in 1650 by General Monck — leaving the open-to-the-sky character that makes it such an extraordinary setting for live music today.

Around the ruins lie the celebrated gardens, kept by Historic Environment Scotland: an Arts and Crafts herbaceous border said to be the longest in the world, and a restored Victorian garden.

On an evening, with the light fading and music drifting through the ancient walls, there is nowhere quite like it.

Make an evening of it. The Castle Inn sits beside the castle entrance in the heart of Dirleton village, serving a special one-course supper for Sessions concert-goers from 5 pm on concert evenings — arrive from 4:45 pm.

It is the right way to arrive — unhurried, well-fed, with time for a drink before the music. The inn is a short walk from the gate, so you can take your time over supper before the doors open at 6:15 pm.

Tables fill quickly on concert evenings, so booking is advised. Call the inn directly to reserve.