Music lovers across Angus and Scotland were left devastated earlier this year when it was announced the annual Glamis Castle Proms, which had been due to take place in the grounds of the castle this Saturday, had been cancelled.
The cancellation provoked a brief war of words between the organisers and the venue, but this failed to give any comfort to those looking forward to their annual open-air fix of classical music accompanied by a glass of wine and topped off with fireworks.
But now one loyal supporter of the Glamis event has decided that, if he can’t go to the Proms, he’ll just have to hold his own in his garden.
Retired consultant cardiologist Dr Stanley Callaghan said, “The idea came initially from my six-year-old grandson Philip who had heard the Proms had been cancelled and knew how much I enjoyed the event.
“He said, ‘Well, you are just going to have it at Mary Acre’ our home in Brechin.
“It seemed like a ridiculous idea at first but the more we thought about it and discussed it with friends we realised it would be possible.”
He added, “Due to the restrictions of space, it will be a private rather than a public event but I’m sure we won’t mind if our neighbours choose to listen in.
“We don’t really have the space for a full orchestra or even a string quartet so we are choosing and downloading our favourite pieces of music and, on the day, I will be master of ceremonies for around 30 to 40 of our friends.”