The little village of Glamis (pronounced Glams) grew up around Glamis Castle, Castle Office, Glamis (tel. 01307/840-393; www.glamis-castle.co.uk). Visitors to Scotland most want to see Glamis Castle for its link with the crown. For 6 centuries, the castle has been connected to members of the British royal family: The Queen Mother was brought up here; and Princess Margaret was born here, making her the first royal princess born in Scotland in 3 centuries. The current owner is the queen's great-nephew. The castle contains Duncan's Hall -- the Victorians claimed this was where Macbeth murdered King Duncan, but in the play, the murder takes place at Macbeth's castle (Cawdor), near Inverness. (Incidentally, Shakespeare was wrong in naming Macbeth Thane of Glamis; Glamis wasn't made a thaneship -- a sphere of influence in medieval Scotland -- until years after the play takes place.)

The present Glamis Castle dates from the early 15th century, but there are records of a hunting lodge having been here in the 11th century. The Lyon family has owned Glamis Castle since 1372, and it contains some fine plaster ceilings, furniture, and paintings.

A self-service restaurant has been installed in the old kitchens, with a chalkboard featuring daily specials and excellent home-cooked and baked dishes.

The castle is open to the public, with access to the Royal Apartments and many other rooms, as well as the fine gardens, from the end of March to October, Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm; November and December, Monday to Saturday 11am to 5pm. Admission to the castle and gardens is £7.50 for adults, £6.30 for seniors, £4.30 for children 5 to 15, and £22 for a family ticket. The charge to visit only the grounds is £3.70 for adults, £2.70 for seniors and children. Buses run between Dundee and Glamis. The 35-minute ride costs £4.50 one-way.

Note: Buses don't stop in front of the castle, which is 1km (2/3 mile) from the bus stop.