Those who have visited Scotland are quick to extol the virtues of this magnificent country. There’s a wealth of history and awe-inspiring scenery, all just waiting to be discovered among its mountains, lochs and heather-blanketed glens.
At the foot of the Grampian Mountains, near the Angus Glens, lies a jewel of a castle offering an authentic Scottish experience. Revered by authors and spoken of in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’, it will be forever linked with romance and mystery. The castle captures the imagination and the heart of all who visit.
Glamis Castle, with its red sandstone turrets and backdrop of snow capped mountains, rises up from the beautiful vale of Strathmore. It has been the ancestral seat of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372 when Sir John Lyon was granted the Thaneage of Glamis by King Robert II – the first of the Stuart dynasty. All of the Stuart kings have passed through the castle’s portals during its thousand-year history. It is a castle of celebration and violence; history is etched in the very stones from which it is built. This jewel is the centrepiece of a 14,000-acre estate, still in the ownership of Sir John Lyon’s descendant, offering the visitor an opportunity to sample Scotland at its best.
Built first as a Royal hunting lodge, the approach to Glamis today is down a mile long avenue of ancient trees, lined in springtime by thousands of daffodils. The very sight of the castle takes the breath away.
Glamis was the childhood home and one of the favourite places of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Princess Margaret was born here and Her Majesty the Queen spent her holidays here at the castle. The Queen Mother returned to the castle throughout her life, the last time when she was 100 years old, such is the hold of Glamis on all who visit.
There are many ways to enjoy Glamis. A guided tour of the castle, a snapshot of the Lyon family’s contribution to Scottish history, will take you from the Grand State Rooms to the intimate Royal Apartments. There is a special feeling in Glamis and you can almost imagine kicking your shoes off and relaxing in what is a comfortable, family home.
Intimate and exclusive
With over 100,000 people visiting Glamis annually, you may wish to opt for a more exclusive experience, booking a private tour with refreshment in the 14th century chambers and a piper to welcome you at the front door on arrival.
But there are other ways to truly experience Glamis. Private lunches in the barrel-vaulted 14th century chambers offer an intimate opportunity to experience fine-dining at Glamis. Choose from one of the many packages on offer to have what will prove to be a memorable lunch experience and bask in absolute luxury amid a beautiful setting.
Gala dinners are renowned at the castle and an evening at Glamis will remain a treasured memory for you and your guests. Major corporations return to Glamis to enjoy fine-dining year upon year, served by award-winning caterers, Wilde Thyme. From birthday celebrations to corporate dinners, Glamis endeavours to make these events special, the embodiment of Scottish hospitality, heritage and tradition. A piper welcomes guests on arrival and a drinks reception in the State Drawing Room is followed by a tour of the castle. A log fire in the State Dining Room welcomes you to a memorable evening. Finally, as a spectacular finale to the evening, a pipe band can be arranged to perform the ‘Beat The Retreat’ ceremony in front of the floodlit castle while you and your guests raise that final dram in the time honoured salute to a grand evening.
Discover the estate
With the majority of the estate put to beef production and arable farming, maintaining the environment though local stewardship and conservation methods is paramount. With conservation comes shooting and Glamis has some of the best in Scotland. During the season, a day’s pheasant shoot on the estate is a superb way to experience the sport at its best and attracts visitors from all over the world.
The package includes a full day’s shooting beginning with a light breakfast. A morning tramping the Sidlaws will surely work up an appetite for the three-course lunch and a tea, all served in the 14th century chambers where the wood-burner takes the chill off a cold winter’s day. Lunch menus includes a starter of home cooked soup with artisan bread, then a rich, thick slow cooked local beef or venison casserole followed by cheese and biscuits – a fine-dining experience after braving the cold. In addition to pheasant, partridge and duck shooting, Glamis offers accompanied roe deer stalking.
Should you wish to experience shooting out of season or as a beginner, Glamis Estate will be offering simulated game shooting for the first time. This can be booked for any time of year and is ideal as a first time experience. As with a game-bird shoot, it begins in the same way with a light breakfast and includes a three-course lunch.
Fairytale wedding venue
Glamis Castle is one of the most spectacular wedding venues in Scotland. From the smaller more intimate ceremony in the 16th century chambers to a grand marquee wedding in the grounds, Glamis is the wedding venue of choice for couples from all over the world. Our wedding consultant is able to help couples build a day that will live in their memories forever. What better way to welcome your guests than with a champagne reception in the State Drawing Room and while the all-important photographs are being taken in the historic Italian Gardens, your guests have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Glamis via a tour of the castle. Once again, Wilde Thyme can assist with the very best of wedding breakfasts tailored to suit any and all of your requirements. Rounded off with the entertainment of your choice, this is truly a fairytale wedding venue.
From August 2017, Glamis is able to offer exclusive six-bedroom luxury accommodation for up to 14 guests for weddings, shoots and corporate events. It’s the perfect way to make your visit to Glamis Castle the most memorable experience you will ever have in Scotland.
Further information
www.glamis-castle.co.uk