Glamis Castle

I hope the owners of Glamis Castle don't mind me using one of their website photographs to tell you that the Castle is now open for the season.

Regular guests will know that Glamis Castle is one of my favourite places to visit in Perthshire.

It has so much to offer and it's quite easy to spend a whole day there without realising it!

Have a look at their website. It's around a 15 minute drive from here on a reasonably quiet road.

Scone Palace Annual Game Fair

Another lovely day of sunshine!  The weather forecasters have certainly been wrong this week.  The predictions of rain and heavy showers just haven't materialised and we have had lovely warm weather.  This weekend (today, tomorrow and Sunday) is the annual Game Fair at Scone Palace.  It is attended by thousands, lots of whom are from the farming and agriculture communities.  So much to see and do it's no wonder it lasts three days.

I'm not going this year but I was there 2 years ago.  The final day (Sunday) was my choice and, you've guessed it, it rained.  Walking in wellies isn't something I do regularly, or even non-regularly, but it was a challenge which was certainly worth it. Everyone seemed to just ignore the weather and get on with the fun.  That kind of attitude is infectious and, truth be told, I had a wonderful day.

It's another warm, sunny summer evening right now and I await the company of my lovely Irish friends who visit regularly.  Both the men are gamekeepers, one now retired, although his hobby of fly fishing is now his full time job, (according to his wife).  They have never missed a Game Fair for many years.  The forecast is decent weather for tomorrow and Sunday and I sincerely hope the professionals are right this time.

More Castle information plus Distillery visits

I've just returned from a wander round the grounds of Glamis Castle - something I do often as I find them just wonderful at this time of year.  It's like having my own grand estate more or less on my doorstep! (Well ok, within 15 minutes drive).

Upon leaving I picked up a leaflet entitled 'Treasure Ticket'.  This ticket is just great value as it allows visitors into the 3 castles I've already mentioned (Glamis, Scone and Blair) plus entry to both the Famous Grouse and Bell's Blair Athol distilleries. All this for the super price of £18 for adults, £16 for seniors (that's me!) and £45 for families.

What more could you ask for?  If one of your party isn't keen on castles then I'm sure they'll be keen on visiting a distillery and with this ticket everyone is happy! Have a look a Glamis Castle's website for more details.  Click tickets on the right hand menu.  Enjoy!

The Grandest Castles in Perthshire Scotland

My favourite castle in Perthshire is Glamis Castle. Situated between Coupar Angus and Forfar it is tucked away in a typical Scottish village which grew around the castle. The castle is inhabited by the Earl of Strathmore and family which makes it particularly interesting and its gardens are just a pleasure to wander through. Ensure you have a few hours to spend here to really enjoy what there is to offer. It is such an intriguing place you just want to see more.

Another most interesting castle is Scone Palace (pronounced Scoon Palace and not like the teacake!). It is just outside Perth and the Palace has the most wonderful history which no visitor could ignore. Many events are run here throughout the year such as the Scottish Game Fair which attracts thousands from all over the country. Very well worth a visit and another castle which, to do it and yourself justice, requires a visit of a few hours.

My third choice is Blair Castle, north of Pitlochry and just off the A9 towards Inverness. Blair Castle nestles in the hills like a fairy castle in story books and it certainly is worthy of a story book. The castle is owned by the Duke of Atholl but it is not inhabited by him. The Duke of Atholl is the only Duke in Scotland to have his own Pipe Band and an excellent one it is too. This castle has also played a strategic role in much of Scotland's history involving the Highlands of Scotland. Not to be missed!