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The Macbeth Trail

Glamis Castle is known for its connection to William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth in which Macbeth is the ‘Thane of Glamis’.

Accessibility

Wheelchair friendly

Distance

700m from car park

Time

20-25 min walk

Sculptures that captivate

Inspired by this famous play, The Macbeth Trail is a series of seven incredible sculptures carved from Oak, Douglas and Noble Fir trees grown on the Estate.

Waiting to be discovered in the Pinetum, each of the sculptures, created by Neith Art & Sculpture, depicts a major scene from the play and captures the madness, mental turmoil and tempestuous weather of the play. The seven sculptures to look out for are: The Three Witches, King Duncan, Macbeth, Banquo, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth Contemplating and Macduff.

The Shakespeare connection

Macbeth was written for King James VI and I after his accession to the throne of England. Patrick, 9th Lord Glamis accompanied the King to England in 1603 and would certainly have met Shakespeare. It is thought that he may well have recounted stories of Glamis and, since there is no record of Shakespeare having visited Glamis, the playwright may have taken inspiration from the 9th Lord Glamis’ stories.