Majestic Glamis is a place full of history

Glamis Castle really does have a touch of glamour – and for the best of summertime the famous venue has so much to offer.

The castle, ancestral home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372 and still in private ownership, is open for the season once again.

Glamis is a venue of great elegance, full of history and yet still retaining a sense of family occupation.

You feel as if you could kick off your shoes and spend an afternoon relaxing, even in the most splendid rooms.

Any visit to Glamis is a treat but for a real insight into its many charms the guided tours are renowned.

An hour-long tour offers the visitor a snapshot of one family’s contribution to Scottish history, not least Glamis’ place as the childhood home of the Queen Mother.

And the royal link is being reforged this year, with permission of the Queen.

Glamis Castle is holding an exhibition of robes worn by the monarch and her sister at the coronation of their father King George VI in 1937, as well as the full coronation regalia of the Queen Mother.

The ceremonial robes of her parents, the 14th Earl and Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne, together with other items of royal memorabilia, will also be displayed.

The exhibition runs until October 29 and is a unique opportunity to view a slice of Scotland’s heritage up close.

It is a must-see for anybody interested in the history of costume, the royal family and its Scottish roots.

Meanwhile, there is plenty to keep you busy at Glamis this summer.

Annual events such as the Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Extravaganza (July 8-9) and Glamis Prom (July 15) offer other opportunities to enjoy the castle experience.

This Saturday and Sunday the focus is on the castle’s Swordsmanship Weekend.

Paul MacDonald of the MacDonald Academy of Arms will give a series of swordsmanship demonstrations with an opportunity for visitors to “have a go”.

There will also be three plays at Glamis this summer.

The Three Inch Fools are coming for the third year, this time presenting Romeo and Juliet (July 22) and Twelfth Night (July 23). Both are outdoor performances. And the team at Glamis never neglect young people when it comes to theatre.

Blunderbuss Productions are also presenting Dotty the Dragon for children outside on August 11.

Following the huge success of last year’s charity event, Glamis is welcoming sponsor Burns Dog Food for the second Dogs Day Out on July 30.

Included in this year’s event is an attempt at the Guinness World Record for the most dogs wearing bandanas.

Based on the canine attendance last year, the record should fall easily.

On August 19-20 the Taste Angus Food Festival is another chance to sample the wares of local producers, and it will be even bigger and better this year.

Don’t forget the popular outdoor cinema performances of The Italian Job (July 8) and Grease (August 12).

Tickets and information regarding all the events can be found at www.glamis-castle.co.uk

Tickets are selling fast so make your choice soon.

Keep your eye on Twitter, Instagram and the new YouTube channel as well.

With something for everyone and an abundance of history, Glamis Castle is a true local gem.

Right picture: Kris Miller. There really is something for everyone at Glamis Castle this summer – and beyond.