Glamis Castle Blog

Surprise yourself in the Year of Creative Scotland 2012 !

2012-01-11T15:12:00.001Z

Just been to the launch of Visit Scotland's 'Surprise Yourself Campaign' in Edinburgh Castle. The new advert which features Glamis Castle is stunning and showcases Scotland at its best.
So go on.... Surprise Yourself and do something Creative in 2012!
View Advert

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2011-12-22T15:07:00.001Z

The castle will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day and then re-open for visits on 27th December until 31st December.
The staff at Glamis which you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year... signing off for two weeks break and share some images of the past few weeks.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Finishing touches...

2011-11-16T17:02:00.001Z

Finishing touches being added to the festive decorations at Glamis and preparing for a programme of seasonal events over the next 6 weeks.

Festive Events include.. Musical evenings, Storytelling, Puppet Theatre, Festive Dining, Winter Welly Walks, and more... Discover what's on and what's coming up by visiting our website. www.glamis-castle.co.uk

The RNLI Charity Reindeer Run takes place on Sunday 20th November... you can still register to take part at www.rnli.org.uk/reindeer

National Red Squirrel Week 1st - 9th October

2011-09-19T16:20:00.001+01:00

2011 has been a positive year for the red squirrels of Angus and Perthshire. With the help of estates such as Glamis Castle and the dedication of volunteer supporters, Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels has been able to tackle the grey squirrel invasion and carry out a Tayside-wide survey of squirrel locations throughout the year. Signs are promising that greys have been ousted from some woodlands where they had taken over and reds are moving back with an encouraging increase in breeding numbers.

To celebrate this positive news National Red Squirrel Week will be promoting red conservation between the 1st and 9th October. Glamis Castle will be joining in with an early morning squirrel walk and talk led by Ken Neil the SWT Red Squirrel Project Officer for Tayside.

The event will begin at 08:00 on the 2nd October with bacon rolls and hot drinks provided in the Victorian Kitchen Restaurant after we come in from the cold. So come and share breakfast with some of Scotland's favourite wild animals.

£4.35 ( which includes the bacon butty and tea/coffee)

Getting ready for Scotland's Countryside Festival at Glamis Castle 3rd & 4th September..

2011-09-01T16:39:00.001+01:00

Staff members help move the marquee for Glamis Castle stand at Scotland's Countryside Festival this weekend.
Visit our stand for forthcoming event info. competitions, and the chance to win tickets for Halloween at Glamis.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Setting the stage

2011-07-26T16:03:00.001+01:00

What a lovely day to set the stage for the Grand Scottish Prom. .....

St. Andrews University Graduate starts new role at Glamis Castle

2011-07-15T11:24:00.001+01:00

We would like to thank everyone who applied for the position of Admin Assistant and advise that the posistion has now been filled by St. Andrews University Graduate, Lucy Gilmour.

Lucy started her new post on 10th July and has hit the ground running. In her first month she will be assisting our Event Co-ordinator, Claire Taylor, at a wedding reception and the Grand Scottish Prom on July 30th.

July Recipe

2011-07-05T12:24:00.000+01:00

GLAMIS CASTLE RECIPE FOR JULY

QUEEN ELIZABETH, THE QUEEN MOTHER’S FAVOURITE CAKE

Line a Swiss roll tin with foil, building it up well at the sides (9” by 12” tin). Pour a cup of boiling water over 4oz. of chopped dates and 1 tsp. bicarbonate of soda. Let it stand while the following is mixed:

INGREDIENTS

175g/6 oz butter	For the topping:
175g/2 oz sugar	5 tblsp soft light brown sugar
6 oz. sifted plain flour	2 tblsp butter
2 oz. chopped walnuts (leave a few for topping)	2 tblsp cream from the top of the milk
1 beaten egg
1 sm. tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt

METHOD

1. Mix together the dry ingredients and add to the date mixture, stirring well. Bake for 35 minutes in a moderate oven.

2. Mix together the topping ingredients and boil for 3 minutes. Spread over the cake and top with chopped nuts.

PLEASE NOTE:

This cake is the Queen Mother’s favourite recipe. At Her Majesty’s request the recipe must not be given away but SOLD and the money donated to a charitable organisation.

Events here at the castle

2011-07-05T11:58:00.003+01:00

Events form a large part of the season here at Glamis.

Outdoor events are often stage- managed by outside companies; our main role is to ensure the venue remains in tip-top condition, that our facilities are well presented and that we are prepared for the extra visitors that outside events often bring to the castle.

The Strathmore Highland Games is organised by local people in association with the Scottish Highland Games Association. Glamis always provides a magnificent backdrop to traditional Scottish sports like tossing the caber, hammer throwing, tug of war, traditional dances; it is a celebration of all things Scottish, a regular event that attracts locals and visitors. Held this year on the 12^th June, we were incredibly lucky with the weather and the day went well.

Our next major outside event is the Scottish Transport Extravaganza to be held on the weekend of the 9^th and 10^th July. This is the largest vintage car rally in Scotland organised by the Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club and held every year here in the Castle Event field. Another hugely popular event, it is now in its 37^th year. The event showcases more than 1,300 vehicles representing a variety of transports. With something for every member of the family, this is a “must see” in the events calendar.

Scotland’s Countryside Festival is held this year on the 3^rd and 4^th of September and celebrates the rural activities that can be found in Scotland. This is an event for families, dogs, horses, ferrets, ducks-you name it. If it can be found in the countryside, you will find it here at Glamis that weekend. This is the biggest “Family Festival” in the East of Scotland highlighting the great variation of crafts, foods and wines that can be found in the region. A great day out for all.

But the big event of the year will surely be the Grand Scottish Prom, which bursts into life on Saturday the 30^th July. We all look forward to this event with its heady combination of classical music, fireworks and fun. Taking the lead from other major concert venues like the Proms in Hyde Park, London, concert goers bring their own seating and picnics from 5pm onwards to spend the long summer evening drinking in the atmosphere of the castle and grounds while listening to popular classics as interpreted by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and soloist Giordano Luca. The grand finale of fireworks set to the music of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture is a fitting end to what is always a superb concert.

Tickets for the Grand Scottish Prom are available at the Early Bird price of £29 (plus £1.50 each handling charge and postage) until Thursday the 28^th July. Tickets at the gate will be £35 each. We look forward to seeing you there.

Office admin assistant required for Glamis Castle

2011-06-07T14:26:00.001+01:00

An exciting job opportunity has arisen to work within our small team at Glamis Castle. Check our website for further details. http://www.glamis-castle.co.uk/news_detail.cfm/news_ID/45/title/title=-EMPLOYMENT-OPPORTUNITIES

June recipe

2011-06-01T16:41:00.003+01:00

This month's recipe is for Smiddy Loaf, a moist fruit loaf that ges well wit afternoon tea and keeps quite well. I heartily recommend it.

SMIDDY-LOAF

Ingredients:

4 oz. margarine
1 cup water
1 cup caster sugar
1tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp mixed spice
8 oz self raising flour
8 oz sultanas
2 eggs

METHOD

1. Measure water, margarine, sugar, spice, bicarbonate of soda and sultanas and heat gently in a pan. Do not boil. Simmer until margarine has melted.

2. Set aside until cold, then add the beaten eggs and sifted flour.

3. Grease and line a loaf tine and bake for 1¼ hours. Test with a cake skewer. If the skewer comes out dry the loaf is ready. Leave overnight before slicing.

Glamis Castle are proud to support and sponsor the Mad Hat Challenge

2011-06-01T12:43:00.001+01:00

One race, two men, one on foot, one on a bike, from one end of Scotland to the other....
Christopher Godfrey-Faussett and John Gunn created the Mad HaT (Hare and Tortoise) challenge with the aim of raising money for three very deserving causes, the King’s Royal Hussars Appeal (40%), as the Regiment heads out to Afghanistan in early 2012, Prostate Cancer Scotland (40%) and The Borders Children’s Charity (20%).
Find out more about the Mad Hat challenge and how to help and support the first challenge of its kind in Scotland. Mad Hat (Hare and Tortoise) challenge.

Full Grand Prom Programme available on RSNO website

2011-06-01T12:10:00.001+01:00

Programme published for the first time by the RSNO

The season takes off

2011-06-01T09:32:00.011+01:00

There is nowhere as lovely as Great Britain in May and June. The fresh green leaves of the trees mixed with the buds of those still to burst into life make an enticing view from my office window. The bright red leaves of the copper beech are beautiful when the sunshine hits them. Earlier this morning I could see the Highland cattle lying in the grass under the canopy of the oak tree across the way and though how very pastoral the whole scene looked.

The dry spell we had earlier has broken and we now have the April showers that should have fallen a few weeks ago. It means the grass has surged into growth. I would imagine that the gardeners would say they could stand and watch it grow-if they had the time. They have been very busy cleaning up after the high winds of last week and have done a sterling job. We were very lucky that we kept all the trees, the walk down the drive is still a beautiful sight. Of course a dry, warm April meant that the daffodil display finished earlier than normal. A great shame as it was magnificent to behold. Walking down the drive was an absolute pleasure.

The 2011 season is now in full swing and we are looking forward to a good year. Our Wedding Exhibition is generating a huge amount of interest and in early May we took delivery of the Queen Mother’s Wedding dress, our centre piece. I must say that any photographs you may have seen do not do the dress the justice it deserves and it really is a beautiful object. The simple but chic design is very much in line with the styles of the 1920’s but it is the detail of the stitching and beading, much of it done by hand, that I find so fascinating. And just last week we took the loan of the dress that Her Majesty the Queen wore to HRH Prince Edward’s wedding. A really lovely piece I have to say and we are grateful to Her Majesty for allowing us to have the dress on display at Glamis. All the people who worked have on the exhibition deserve congratulations and thanks for all their hard work in creating a superb showcase of Strathmore history.

Also in June we look forward to the Strathmore Highland Games on the 12^th June. Always a popular event, it showcases all the traditional highland competitions and is a celebration of Scottish culture and music. It is a very Scottish event, like no other so come along and enjoy the day.

Tickets for the Grand Scottish Prom are selling fast so if you haven’t got yours don’t miss out. The ticket price is now £29.00 plus £1.50 handling charge per ticket. It promises to be a fantastic event and one that all of us here at the castle look forward to.

High winds cause problems at the castle

2011-05-24T14:09:00.009+01:00

As high winds roared across Scotland yesterday it was with great reluctance that our Administrator closed the Castle to visitors. The force of the winds made the grounds and Avenue simply too dangerous. So at 3pm I took the last tour of the day round. By the time I had finished, the force of the wind was taking its toll of the trees in the grounds. The ancient trees along the avenue have taken quite a battering as you can see.

It's a sad sight when you think of all the history the trees have seen, but nature has taken it's course and it would appear that none of the trees along the avenue will have to come down, merely undergo a bit of cosmetic surgery to tidy them up a bit. I think we have been very lucky.

Business as usual today with a large number of visitors taking photographs of the destruction. They are huddled against the brisk wind that still cuts across the grounds. Where I come from it is called a "lazy wind"because instead of going round, it goes straight through you. The Highland Cattle appear oblivious to the whole thing, I suppose their thick coats mean they don't feel the full force. Standing outside taking some of these photographs I certainly needed more than just a light jacket.

I understand that it will be some time before the debris is completely cleared. There are further strong winds predicted for later this week so we can only hope that we have no further damage.

High winds force closure of caslte gates

2011-05-23T15:39:00.001+01:00

The Castle gates have been closed for the rest of the day due to extremely high winds and tree debris. We apologise for any inconvenience

With warmest wishes for Prince William and Kate Middleton from all at Glamis Castle.

2011-04-29T09:20:00.001+01:00

April At Glamis

2011-04-25T09:06:00.011+01:00

And we’re off!

We hit the ground running on the 1st April with the “Friends of Glamis” Open Day. Castle Administrator David Broadfoot welcomed the Friends and introduced Charles Maclean who gave an excellent presentation on whisky tasting; a subject I have to say is very dear to my own heart. Everyone agreed that the presentation was first class; the added attraction of a wee dram helping to counter the effects of the damp, blustery day.

Since then it has been non-stop at the castle, the first coaches of the season rolling in that weekend. Our new guides have settled in very well, they quickly flew solo becoming a welcome addition to the staff. The shop is full to bursting with fabulous items to suit any pocket. Early indications are that we are to have a very busy year.

As we rapidly approach the end of April, preparations for our Wedding Exhibition are in full swing. A few weeks ago we received some fantastic news; a bit of a dream come true, as we are to have the Queen Mother’s wedding dress for our exhibition. This is the dress Elizabeth Bowes Lyon wore as she walked down the aisle in 1923 to become the Duchess of York. On loan from the Royal Collection, it will take pride of place amongst other exhibitions that include a bridesmaid’s dress from the same wedding, a replica of the beautiful eighteenth century wedding dress worn by Mary Eleanor Bowes (the originator of the “Bowes” half of the Bowes Lyon name) and various photographs and documents relating to family weddings. It promises to be an exciting exhibition and one not to be missed.

The Exhibition begins on Royal Wedding Day, April 29th, when we have several television screens on site that will broadcast the event. Visitors in our restaurant can take in the atmosphere of the wedding over a traditional afternoon tea that includes cucumber sandwiches, scones and jam.

But before that comes Easter, the first Bank Holiday of the season. A late Easter brings with it warmer weather weather so that visitors can take in the beauty of the Italian Gardens, wander through the pinetum, marvel at the daffodils, meandering along the River Dean prior to partaking of the seasonal Simnel Cake and other temptations from the restaurant.

To tempt you further I will am including the recipe for the Simnel Cake that will be on offer here.

GLAMIS CASTLE RECIPE FOR APRIL

SIMNEL CAKE

A traditional cake for the Easter period, it was also a Mothering Sunday treat. There are a couple of explanations for the name. One legend has it that the cake was named for Lambert Simnel. In 1487, at the age of 10, Simnel was a pretender to the English throne when he was presented as the Duke of York, the younger of the two princes murdered in the Tower of London during the reign of King Edward the IV. A more probable explanation however is that the cake, which is of medieval origin, takes its name from the Latin word “simila” meaning the fine, wheaten flour from which the cake was made.

INGREDIENTS:

500g. (1lb.)white almond paste

175g. (6 oz.) butter or margarine

175g. (6 oz.) soft brown sugar

3 free range eggs, beaten

175g. (6 oz.) plain flour

Pinch of salt

½ tsp. ground mixed spice (optional)

350g. (12 oz.) raisins, currants and sultanas

55g. (2oz.) chopped mixed peel

½ (lemon-grated zest only)

1-2 tsp apricot jam

1 egg for glazing

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 140°C/275°F/gas mark1. Grease and line a spring base 7” (18cm) cake tin.

1. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs a little at a time until well incorporated.

2. Add the mixed fruit, peel, lemon zest and stir. Add the flour, mix well.

3. Put ½ the mixture into the greased tin. Using ⅓ of the almond paste roll into a circle shape to fit the top of the mixture then put the remainder of the cake mixture on top. Level the top of the mixture with a pallet knife or similar.

4. Bake for 1¾ hours. Test with a cake skewer. The cake is done if the skewer comes out clean and dry. Set aside on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before turning out.

5. While the cake is cooling, roll another circle of almond paste for the top of the cake. Stick this on top of the cake using warmed apricot jam. With the remainder of the almond paste make 11 balls and stick them round the top edge of the cake. This represents 11 of the 12 apostles of Christ, omitting Judas. A 12^th can be put in the centre of the cake to represent Christ.

6. Place the cake on a tray, dust lightly with icing sugar and using a cook’s blow torch, caramelise carefully.

Historic Wedding Exhibition

2011-04-18T11:03:00.001+01:00

An 18thC reproduction wedding dress was personally delivered to Glamis Castle by the designer Jerri Charlton. The dress will form part of the Historic Wedding Exhibiton at Glamis to begin on 29th April.

Daffodil Photographic Competition

2011-04-11T17:10:00.001+01:00

Win two tickets to Glamis Castle in our daffodil photographic competition. Flowers are in full glory now. Upload images to http://www.flickr.com/groups/1688899@N22/ Will announce winner on Facebook and Twitter 15th May.

Expo Scotland

2011-04-11T16:55:00.001+01:00

Heading up to Aberdeen tomorrow for EXPO trade show with Blair Castle and Scone Palace. Visit us on stand F7

Wander as lonely as a cloud - we have a host of golden daffodils at Glamis.

2011-04-05T12:34:00.002+01:00

We re-opened on Saturday for 2011 and spring is a great time to visit - we look forward to seeing you.

Recipe of the Month - Heart shaped shortbread

2011-03-15T12:27:00.000Z

Makes approximately 30 biscuits. Just as well as they never last very long around here.
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb. unsalted butter
1 lb. plain flour
12 oz. icing sugar
8 oz. cornflour

METHOD:

1. Cream the butter and icing sugar together until soft but not too soft.
2. Add the flours and beat together for 2-3 minutes.

3. Knead together and roll out thickness required. Cut out using heart shaped cutter, prick with a fork and bake for 12-15 minutes. Do not let allow to brown; the shortbread should be white in colour.

4. Remove from oven and dust with caster sugar. Remove from the tray after 2 minutes and cool on a wire rack.

TOP TIP: Shortbread benefits from cold hands and shouldn’t be handled too much. Otherwise the dough becomes too sticky.

March at Glamis

2011-03-15T12:19:00.004Z

March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. I look forward to the lamb bit, the lion is certainly roaring around at the moment. A week ago I would have said that spring was here but the weather has turned cold once more and we have had a flurry or two of snow.

Luckily it doesn’t lie on the ground but any thought I had of turning off my central heating is put on hold for the present. I am told not to expect to turn the heating off till the end of April so at least I look forward to that.

So here it is, March at last, and despite the cold weather, we are moving towards our seasonal opening on the 2nd April. The staff welcome day takes place on March 25th, the day that the seasonal staff return to be updated with events and occurrences over the last couple of months. I have been lucky enough to be here over the winter but the majority of staff don’t work here during the closed season.

We welcome all new members of staff; guides and otherwise who are joining us for what looks to be a very busy 2011. The 1st of April is of course our annual Friends of Glamis Open Day when we welcome Friends past, present and future to enjoy the castle, its facilities and an annual presentation. For 2011 we have Charles Maclean, Scotland’s leading whisky expert, who researches and writes books on a subject which forms a very large part of Scottish heritage. It promises to be entertaining whether or not you are a fan of the subject. The Friends of Glamis also gives people an opportunity to renew their annual membership or to become a new Friend of Glamis.

It is also an opportunity for everyone to meet our new castle administrator, David Broadfoot. He joined us from Cawdor Castle at the end of February to take up the reins. He is a personable man of many ideas and quick decisions. I am sure that all of us here at Glamis will benefit from his enthusiasm this season.

Finally, as an extra to the blog, I offer a monthly recipe; all of them compiled by our baker and pastry chef Wendy and offered in our restaurant. As winter still has us in its vice like grip, the March recipe is for Wendy’s famous shortbread. It is a super recipe and very simple as most of the best recipes are. As with all great recipe books, I include a photograph taken in our 16c kitchen. Wendy’s shortbread deserves the best of settings and the 16c kitchen was just perfect. I speak from experience when I say that it is exceptionally tasty with elevens’es, threes’es – well any time really. You won’t need much of an excuse.

February at Glamis

2011-02-22T10:06:00.000Z

February seems to be the longest of months even though the calendar states otherwise. Cold and dismal most of the time, grey and uninviting; the days are getting longer but the temperature is not conducive to being outside for any length of time. We are all thankful that the snow has gone but watchful that we may get more. The castle is empty of visitors yet is still busy with winter maintenance, preparing for the seasonal rush of visitors in what will be a very busy year for us bearing in mind there is a royal wedding in the offing. Plans are already in full swing for our Royal Wedding Exhibition that will take place from the 29th April onwards throughout the season. The exhibition will include documentary and photographic displays of weddings at the castle. I have found the research fascinating; the photographs stunning and the documentary exhibits will give an insight to the intricacies of wedding planning before the advent of modern technology.
Plans are also well underway for the return of our Grand Scottish Prom on the 30th July and Super Early Bird Tickets (£27.50 each) are available until the 31st March. We are excited to be able to host the Royal Scottish National Orchestra who, under the baton of their conductor Grant Llewellyn, will accompany BBC Singer of the World finalist Giordano Luca in what promises to be an evening of exceptional entertainment. If you are planning on coming, now is a great time to buy your tickets.
For me, having recently been lucky enough to move into Glamis, it has been a month of packing, unpacking and familiarisation with the village and the people who live there. It is a great place, right on the doorstep of my place of employment and I already feel at home. I look forward to springtime now so that I can walk in the grounds amongst the spring flowers that are already beginning to pop up through the cold ground. I have already found snowdrops along the burn; daffodils are beginning to push their greenery through the grass of the parkland along the drive.
It has been a long winter for all of us, not finished yet of course but the light is at the end of the tunnel and spring is just about here. All of us are preparing for the 2011 season and looking forward to greeting the visitors who will join us at this most beautiful of castles.

The Winter Months

2011-01-27T11:44:00.000Z

After 7 weeks the snow has finally gone, leaving the castle grounds in the more normal winter livery of greens and browns.
The castle is now closed for the winter, opening again to the public on the 2nd April, Mother’s Day weekend.
But the absence of the general public doesn’t mean that any of us are idle. Glamis is very much a hive of industry in the cold dark days of winter.
Our house manager directs operations within the castle interior; organising carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other services. When you consider the age of the castle itself, you can imagine the amount of maintenance it takes to keep the fabric of the building in good condition. Over the 630 year history of the buildings, there have been many additions, rooms added or demolished, change of use for much of the later buildings like the Victorian kitchens etc. All this makes for a constant battle with the effects of time. There is always a job to be done as in all old buildings as anybody who lives in an older property will tell you and no job is ever straight forward. All maintenance done here is in keeping with the history of the castle which means you can’t always use the quickest or most obvious method.
Our cleaning staff (a devoted team of 5 ladies) undertake the spring cleaning of the castle with a flurry of washing, polishing, oiling and dusting. There is a lovely smell of polish in the Dining and Drawing Rooms that makes both rooms seem even more comfortable, even more like a home you live in rather than a museum. The cleaners keep the castle interior up to a high standard for visitors, reflected in the much coveted “Visit Scotland Five Star Grading” that the castle has maintained since 2008.
Outside, our garden staff are busy with their own winter maintenance programme, “Putting the garden to bed for the winter” is a big job here anyway but with the lengthy period of sub zero weather we have experienced recently, staff have kept a watching brief on the tender plants in the plants in the garden. Some have been moved to the greenhouses in the walled garden with the larger ones covered by straw or wrapped up in situ against the penetrating frost. Edging, sweeping, gutter clearing and lots of bonfires keep them busy until the first bulbs of spring burst through the frozen ground.
For the office staff this is the busiest time of the year. The bookings begin to pile in and tour times become crowded with requests from the many companies, UK and abroad that visit us throughout the year. There are brochures to organise for distribution, translations of a dozen languages that have to be checked and reprinted, end of year statistics to compile, the yearly stocktaking in the Pavilion shop. We still have the odd private tour during the winter months and weekly pheasant shoots to host. And of course we also organise or administrate the many events that take place on and within the castle.
So despite the apparent calm, we are all like the swan in the old saying, working very hard underneath the surface.

Twitter is for us

2009-06-04T12:36:00.002+01:00

I suppose when it comes to work we all have our favourite things. The same applies to the various applications on Web2 - social networking. There are some things we prefer to others.

In our case we've found a love for Twitter! It really is a great platform to spread the news about what's happening but it's also nice to be part of this great community.

Calling All Milkmen

2008-12-24T11:57:00.002Z

We just love this excerpt from our 'Visitor Book'...

1.Where are you from? Scotland
Where did you hear about us? I delivered the milk here as a boy

2. Where are you from? England
Where did you hear about us? My Dad (milkman)

3. Where are your from? England
Where did you hear about us? I live with the old milkboy!

4. Where are you from? England
Where did you hear about us? From the MILKMAN!!

As well as delivering milk, milkmen can deliver visitors to your door.

Merry Christmas from all at Glamis Castle

2008-12-17T20:42:00.002Z

Christmas Carol Concerts

2008-12-15T09:54:00.002Z

Ten years ago, when disaster struck Nicaragua and a plea of help was sent around the world, we decided at Glamis to do a charity concert to raise funds for the cause. The event was a resounding success in many ways: money was sent to the disaster fund, lives were helped and a real sense of fraternity developed as a result.

A decade on, we continue to hold the carol concerts (now three) and part of the proceeds are still donated to selected charities.

This weekend we welcomed Chansons and the Strathmore Singers for the evening performances - both local based choirs who sung their hearts out much to the joy of the audience.

Were you there?

What visitors can do for you....

2008-12-08T14:28:00.002Z

Our Maureen has been a guide at Glamis for almost 25 years and it's fair to say she's met some super people during that time and helped create wonderful memories for them.

It's nice, therefore, when visitors return the favour and that's exactly what happened today. As Maureen ended the tour she offered each of our Welsh guests a glass of mulled wine to get them into the spirit of Christmas.

Jokingly she asked that they sing 'Land of my Father'. Well, in true Welsh fashion (great singers!) they kindly obliged and the spirits of everyone, including Maureen, were well and truly lifted.

Thank you to Maureen for being a 'natural' at her job and thank you to our Welsh guests for making her day.

Technology

2008-12-04T11:23:00.003Z

When Glamis Castle was given to the Lyon family in 1372 I'm sure Sir John had no idea of how the castle would develop and evolve over the years. All he could do was add a little bit to it and pass it on to the next generation.

Well, six hundred and thirty six years later we are still adding bits on and leaving a legacy for generations to come. In 2008, the Queen Mother Memorial Gates were installed thus 'connecting' the castle to Glamis Village for the first time in history. A further memorial was erected in memory of HRH The Princess Margaret and a new fountain was added to enhance the visual aspect of the castle grounds.

Perhaps the fastest changes have been on technology. The website is now a key promotional tool for us and we're enjoying getting to grips with the world of blogs, social networks etc.

We are, however, fairly new at this game so if anybody out there wants to give us a hand or wants to give us some things to discuss then we want to hear from you.

Off to learn more about technology!

Halloween - the spookiest night of the year

2008-10-29T11:59:00.002Z

It is said that Glamis is one of the most haunted castles in Scotland, if not the United Kingdom. Now that's a claim our visitors on 31st October will be very aware of!

We've invited children and parents along to experience a spooky evening of myths, mysteries and ghostly tales and frankly, the demand for spaces has been overwhelming.

We staff have had great fun planning and preparing for the night and we can't wait to get going. We also had a pumpkin competition between the departments - congratulations to the Guides for their winning effort.

See you (maybe) after the 31st!

Words of encouragement

2008-10-14T17:01:00.004+01:00

It's always nice to hear back from our visitors especially if they tell us their visit has made a lasting impression. This is what Sarah, who visited in September, wanted to share with us:

Dear all,

I just wanted to write in to say how impressed i was by my visit to Glamis Castle on 22nd September. All were really kind and the tour was especially impressive, the lady guide was very informative and allowed us a relaxing yet stimulating tour around such a magnificant castle. The day was glorious outside and the grounds were wonderful. As a keen nature photographer, I adored the experience of the woodland and saw a wild hare as well as lots of your red squirrels and pheasant. The abundance of bees and butterflies in the Italian garden was stunning. I can only say keep us the fantastic work and I will dream of returning to visit again.

Many thanks,
Sarah Sturley

'The Duchess' and the Countess

2008-10-04T15:07:00.004+01:00

‘The Duchess’ and the Countess

On a recent visit to the cinema to see the latest Hollywood blockbuster, The Duchess, starring Keira Knightly, some of our staff couldn't help but be reminded of the life and times of a Glamis lady - Mary Eleanor Bowes. Here's a bit of background about Mary Eleanor along with some of parallels we made to the film.

The Bowes

George Bowes, a very wealthy landowner and coal baron from the north east of England (it is said that in 1760 his income from land and coal amounted to over £4000 per week) had stipulated that anyone who married his only child, Mary Eleanor, would have to change their name to his. In 1767 the ninth Earl of Strathmore & Kinghorne addressed Parliament in order that he might obtain a change of family name from Lyon to Bowes thus enabling him to marry Ms Bowes. Still today the Earl’s family name is Bowes Lyon.

Whereas Georgiana (1757-1806) was born an aristocrat Mary Eleanor (1749-1800) was born a commoner but she was the richest heiress in Europe. Georgiana married the 5th Duke of Devonshire and, of course, Mary Eleanor married the 9th Earl of Strathmore & Kinghorne. Although both marriages seemed very fortunate ones both were to prove less than happy. The ladies were quite different from their husbands temperamentally (clash of personalities – we might say today) and both saw themselves as serious patrons of the arts. The Countess’ tombstone is in Poets’ Corner, Westminster Abbey and the Duchess entertained at her many ‘salons’. But, whereas the Countess’ other hobby was botany (which she took very seriously even sponsoring voyages to South Africa for plant specimens), the Duchess was heavily into Whig politics including women’s suffrage).

The Countess retired to a quiet country life moving from St Paul’s Walden Bury in Hertfordshire to a newly acquired estate in Hampshire and became a well loved and respected landlady. The Duchess, it is said, died deeply in debt through her lifelong obsession - gambling.

The film should prove to be an insight into a fascinating period in Britain’s social history including the life and times of a Glamis lady - Mary Eleanor Bowes.

German Tribute to Glamis

2008-08-06T17:15:00.002+01:00

It's always good to hear what our visitors think and this little poem left by some German visitors who came here on the 4th August is particularly heart-warming:

A Sad Farewell......

We came here being very keen
On finding out about the Queen
Where finally her roots did lay
If we had time we'd like to stay
Alas, we have to take our leave
The farewell fills our hearts with grief.

In return, we would like to say to our German friends, 'haste ye back'.

**Did you know? Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was born on 4th August 1900.

A bit of fun

2008-07-20T11:57:00.003+01:00

Saturday night was party night as staff and their friends / partners came together for the annual barbeque and games challenge.

'Challenge' is the word because there's usually a football match that looks similar to something you see in a school playground where a ball gets kicked and swarms of people chase it around until someone eventually toe-pokes it into the goal! Mike the Forester turned 'poacher' for the evening but thanks to him the castle team managed to save face.

A welcome addition to this year's event was live music from Sandy Ingram (fiddle) and Alan Morrison (accordian). It looked like all the staff thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the dances - especially 'Strip the Willow'. As Stuart (Head Guide) said, 'For as long as I live I will never forget the look on Gary's face as his feet lifted off the ground during the spinning part of the dance. It was a look of absolute surprise, shock and fear.'

The weather was kind to us, the food was first class and the camaraderie of the team here at Glamis was reinforced once again.

Peter Pan flies into Glamis

2008-07-11T17:27:00.002+01:00

Castle staff entered the spirit of the occasion as they dressed up in final preparation for the forthcoming Peter Plan play at Glamis. Tuesday 15th July will see Heartbreak Productions present a powerful adaptation of JM Barrie’s classic tale.

Facepainters will be around during the afternoon and evening of the 15th to offer their services free of charge to children. There is also free admission to grounds for those with Peter Pan tickets and don’t forget, we’d love to see as many kids dressed up as pirates, lost boys / girls, Wendy, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook and of course Peter Pan.

Outdoor Picnic Play - Peter Pan - Tuesday 15th July

2008-07-07T11:52:00.001+01:00

Start Date: 15/07/2008

All aboard the Jolly Roger and fasten your belts for a fast and furious journey back to your childhood.

Now's your chance to become a member of the gang of Lost Boys, Indians or Fairies and let your imagination run riot in the Heartbreak playground of fun and danger.

Come with us as Peter Pan brings the dastardly villain, Captain Hook to justice and play to your heart's content.  Tickets available from our online shop.  Special Offer: Show your Peter Pan ticket and receive admission to Barrie's Birthplace for just £1.50 per person. Valid for whole of 2008.

The Pipers' Trail Visits Glamis Castle

2008-07-07T11:50:00.006+01:00

The Pipers’ Trail, which runs over 470 miles from Lerwick to Ayr, visited Glamis Castle today and treated visitors to a musical and theatrical spectacle. The trail sets out to celebrate the music of Pipes and Drums and to encourage participation from a broad cross-section of society. Public performances are planned throughout Scotland and with The Pipers’ trail show incorporates a mix of music, dance, parades and a theatrical performance.

 The Pipers were on route to Arbroath but gave visitors of Glamis Castle a preview of the full performance which is being demonstrated around the country along with parades and workshops where first class instructors aim to develop the skills of pipers and drummers of all ages and standards.

 More information, including dates of performances, can be found on the trail at www.thepiperstrail.com

Helicopter Tactical Crew Visit Glamis

2008-07-07T11:44:00.003+01:00

Flight Lieutenant Andrew Hodge of 28 Sqn RAF Benson introduced himself and colleagues to staff at Glamis and shed some light on the helicopters which had been flying over the castle.

The Aircraft in the photo is a 28 Sqn Merlin which was used in The Qualified Helicopter Tactics Instructor Course and is held each year in various parts of the UK.

This year 28 squadron were flying out of RAF Leuchars.