Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Duncan's Hall , a fifteenth-century guardroom, is the traditional - but inaccurate
- setting for Duncan's murder by Macbeth (it actually took place near Elgin).
Brief history
he bulk of the current castle dates from the fifteenth century, although many of the
later additions give it its startling Disneyesque appearance. Glamis began life as a
comparatively humble hunting lodge , used in the eleventh century by the kings of
Scotland. In 1372 King Robert II gave the property to his son-in-law, Sir John Lyon,
who built the core of the present building. His descendants, the earls of Kinghorne and
Strathmore, have lived here ever since.
10
Kirriemuir and around
he sandstone town of KIRRIEMUIR , known locally as Kirrie, is set on a hill six miles
northwest of Forfar on the cusp of glens Clova and Prosen. Despite the influx of
hunters up for the “season”, it's still a pretty special place, a haphazard confection of
narrow closes, twisting wynds and steep braes. he main cluster of streets have all the
appeal of an old film set, with their old-fashioned bars, tiled butcher's shop, tartan
outlets and haberdasheries, but somehow manage to avoid being contrived and quaint.
Barrie's birthplace
9 Brechin Rd • Mid-March-June Sat-Wed noon-5pm; July-Aug daily 11am-5pm; Sept-Oct Sat-Wed noon-5pm • £6.50; NTS
Kirrie was the birthplace of J.M. Barrie (born 1860). A local handloom-weaver's son,
Barrie first came to notice with his series of novels about “hrums” - a village based on
his home town - and in particular A Window in hrums and his third novel, he Little
Minister . he story of Peter Pan, the little boy who never grew up, was penned by
Barrie in 1904 - some say as a response to a strange upbringing dominated by the
memory of his older brother, who died as a child. Barrie's birthplace , a plain little
whitewashed cottage, has a series of small rooms decorated as they would have been
during Barrie's childhood, as well as displays about his life and works.
Camera obscura
In the old cricket pavilion above town, just off West Hill Road • Mid-March to June Sat noon-5pm, Sun 1-5pm; July-Sept Mon-Sat
noon-5pm, Sun 1-5pm • £3.50; NTS
One of the few camera obscuras still functioning in Scotland, this unexpected treasure
was donated to the town in 1930 by J.M. Barrie, and offers splendid views of
Strathmore and the glens. On a clear day it's possible to see as far as Ben Ledi, almost
60 miles to the west.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE KIRRIEMUIR AND AROUND
By bus The hourly #20 bus runs from Kirriemuir's High Street to Forfar and Dundee.
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
Muirhouses Farm North of town on the way to Cortachy
T 01575 573128, W muirhousesfarm.co.uk. Offering a
proper taste of the countryside hereabouts, this is a working
cattle farm with bright, plain rooms, which are looked after
by friendly owner Susan. Breakfast includes fresh meat from
the local butcher. Offers discounts for longer stays. £75
Thrums Hotel Bank Street T 01575 572758,
W thrumshotel.co.uk. Good central option for lunches
and evening meals; the menu includes a succulent
slow-roasted lamb shank (£8.50). There are also nine
en-suite roo ms available. Food daily noon-2pm &
5-8pm. £80
SHOPPING
Star Rock Shop 27-29 The Roods T 01575 572579.
Pretty, old-style shop specializing in Scottish confectionary,
which first opened in 1833. This is a nice place to try the
hard, sweet and milky Scottish candy known as tablet (£2/
bag). Tues-Sat 9/10am-5pm.
 
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