THE EARL and Countess of Strathmore welcomed Tayside carers to their Glamis Castle home yesterday to enjoy a respite day in the spectacular Angus setting.

Members of the Tayside Carers Support Project were joined by Lord and Lady Strathmore at a welcome reception in the castle’s 16th century kitchens before enjoying a private tour of the house and gardens.

The Countess of Strathmore, a practising NHS clinical psychologist, is keen to get involved with the project on a long-term basis given the wealth of experience and knowledge she has gained on the subject throughout her professional career.

She said, “Caring often impacts directly on both the physical and mental health of carers so my husband and I are only too pleased to offer support by providing a welcome day out here at Glamis.

“I understand only too well what an important and difficult task these people face on a day to day basis in caring for a relative or friend with a serious mental illness and I look forward to supporting them in the future.”

The project provides emotional and practical support to families and friends who have a relative or friend with a serious mental illness.