Glamis Castle’s summer season has been dealt another significant blow with the departure of a key figure after just weeks in post.
Mary Shields has left the role of castle manager she took up in April.
“We are very sorry to confirm that Mary Shields, the newly appointed Glamis Castle manager, resigned from her post earlier last week,” a spokesman for the castle said.
“The management and staff would like to make it clear that the reasons surrounding her resignation are private and confidential and wish to respect her privacy by not commenting any further on the matter.
“The estate trustees hope to fill the vacancy at the earliest opportunity.”
It is understood the position is likely to be readvertised but in the meantime it will be business as usual at the tourist attraction, which is enjoying a busy year so far.
Less than a month ago Ms Shields spoke of her “enormous pleasure” in landing the Glamis role as successor to David Adams, who had overseen the continuing development of the five-star visitor attraction for seven years.
Ms Shields had arrived in Angus with a 20-year career in festival and event management behind her.
Her departure follows confirmation earlier this month that one of the most successful events on the castle calendar the Scottish Prom will not be taking place in August.
A lack of time to put together this year’s outdoor spectacular has been blamed by the castle for the cancellation after problems in negotiations with a company which had been hoping to stage the prom for the next three years.
Lord Strathmore expressed his own personal disappointment over the decision but has pledged the event will return in 2011.