By Philip Murray

GLAMIS CASTLE provided the fairy-tale location for making one little girl’s dreams come true at the weekend.

Beth McInroy (6), from Perthshire, suffers from ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-cleft (EEC) syndrome—a genetic condition with symptoms that can range from anything from decreased pigmentation of the hair and skin to photophobia and kidney anomalies, that has caused her to be in and out of hospital ever since she was born.

Beth was given a surprise reward for her courage in adversity when Dundee-based charity Dreamz 4 U arranged to give her a wonderful day in the castle grounds driving ponies, picnicking and being made to feel like a princess.

Her parents, Calum and Carla—who were only told the good news in the middle of last week—were delighted when the charity got in touch to say they would help make little Beth’s dream a reality.

They said, “We would just like to thank the charity—all those who made the day possible—and Perth Royal Infirmary, Ninewells, Great Ormond Street and Yorkhill for getting her to where she is today.”

Dreamz 4 U’s chief executive Jim Michie is delighted with the way the charity has been taken to the hearts of so many people.

He said, “It’s a great charity, and I’m really glad we started it.”

He added, “Beth’s face just lit up when she saw the horse.”

The charity also arranged to give Beth a special Barbie horse and carriage set, which seats eight dolls, as a special memento of her big day.

Also helping to make Beth’s day come true were members of the local British Driving School equestrian group.

The organisation had already planned to be at the castle that day for one of its informal horse driving events, and its members were more than happy to help make Beth’s day a special one.

Kim Petrie, who works at Ninewells, took Beth on a trip through the castle grounds on a carriage pulled by Lilly the pony as part of the day’s activities.

Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore, was also on hand to give Beth a memorable welcome to the castle grounds.

For more information about the work of Dreamz 4 U visit www.dreamz4u.org.