WWII bomb at Glamis

A bomb disposal unit has carried out a controlled explosion at the late Queen Mother's childhood home in Angus. Tayside Police said staff working at Glamis Castle discovered what was thought to be an unexploded phosphorous bomb from World War II in the grounds.

It was dug up by workmen widening an access road to the castle at 0820 BST on Wednesday. The Explosives Ordnance Division, based in Edinburgh, and Tayside Fire and Rescue service attended the site. The A928 was closed both ways as a precautionary measure while the bomb was investigated.

It was later moved into a skip before a controlled explosion was carried out at about 1600 BST. The area around the scene of the bomb find remains cordoned off while a search is carried out for any phosphorus which may have leaked into the soil.

Property manager David Adams confirmed that the bomb was dug up by workmen who were widening a road. He said: "It's caused a bit of disruption but we have coped well. We've had to bring everyone in by a different entrance as the main gate is closed off."

Phosphorus bombs were issued to Britain's Home Guard during the war so that volunteers could throw them at invaders.

Glamis is one of Scotland's most famous castles. Princess Margaret was born there in 1930, becoming the first royal baby in direct line to the British throne to be born in Scotland for some 300 years. The castle is also well known for its role in Shakespeare's Macbeth and is rich in legend and folklore. It is the home of the Earl and Countess of Strathmore and is run by the National Trust for Scotland.