The Earl of Strathmore’s new private army passed muster in the ancient splendour of Glamis Castle.
Some 1,100 strong, with artillery, horse and marching bands, the new force will be on permanent parade for visitors from across the globe as Alyth-born OAP Stewart Smith handed over command of the mighty miniature display he has built up over almost half a century.
Avid modeller and former Queens Life Guard Stewart has donated the remarkable collection to the castle, having spent 46 years recreating the scene of Queen Elizabeth’s 1953 visit to Edinburgh, her first trip to Scotland after being crowned.
The exquisitely detailed, hand-painted figures have been painstakingly laid on a 20-foot by eight-foot special display in the castle’s coach house exhibition room, where Lord Strathmore thanked Mr Smith, from Dundee, and his wife, Vivien, for the gracious and impressive donation to the Angus attraction.
“I am absolutely delighted to see this on display at Glamis.
“It is a terrific collection which will be well looked after and enjoyed by generations of visitors for many years to come,” said the Earl.
“My father was actually on parade in the Scots Guards in Edinburgh in 1953 so there is a direct historical connection to Glamis and that makes this even more special.”
Seeing his lifetime labour of love in such impressive surroundings has been the perfect fillip for 75-year-old Stewart as he continues his recovery from a heart triple by-pass operation.
“I’m very proud to see it on display here and I just hope that lots of visitors get the same pleasure looking at it as I did making it,” he said.
Castle director David Broadfoot said: “Stewart’s passion permeates every part of this amazing piece of work. You feel it as you walk round admiring the detail of these figures and, without doubt, it is one of the best exhibitions we have ever had at Glamis.
“The Glamis connection runs through many elements of the display the Queen Mum’s father was in the Life Guards and when Her Majesty arrived at Waverley Station in 1953 the honour guard was commanded by Lord Glamis, the current Earl’s father.
“We have also sourced coverage of the 1953 visit from the Scottish film archive and that adds another very special dimension to this unique display,” said Mr Broadfoot.
Photo gallery: Glamis Castle’s new model army