Glamis Castle is one of the finest palaces in Scotland. The estate of Glamis was granted to the Lyon family in 1372 by King Robert II. To protect themselves and their new lands, the Lyons built a castle.
For three centuries this stark, stout defence was the home of the family. Early in the 17th century, Patrick Lyon, the first member of the family to be Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, decided he needed a new home. Incorporating some of the old Glamis Castle, the Earl built himself the magnificent house that can be seen today.
By the 17th century, Scotland was more peaceful than it had been earlier. Patrick Lyon, therefore, built himself a castle which was more devoted to comfort than to defence. The castle is still in the hands of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne and is one of the finest in Scotland.