Home > Uniquely Unspoilt Magazine > Issue 2 > Royal Places
A Tour of Scotland?s Royal Locations
Last week Prince Charles donned a kilt to visit Edinburgh as part of a Royal-backed pro-British tourism day. Whilst the day may have had a certain amount of pretence about it, the monarchy?s love of Scotland is anything but put on. Here is a selection of locations with a Royal association.
The Queen?s official residence is the Palace of Holyrood in Edinburgh. Whilst it may not be her favorite residence, it is worth a visit if you are in the capital, not least because of the newly opened Queen?s Gallery. They are currently displaying a fantastic selection of Fabergé eggs. The Royal Yacht Britannia is of course, the other main Royal attraction, if you are in town.
In total contrast to the Queen?s perceived views on Holyrood, Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire is where the Royals love to head to for some piece and quiet, traditionally during August and September. The Castle was built as a retreat by Prince Albert, and was a favourite of Queen Victoria.
The Castle itself isn't open to the public, but from the beginning of April to the end of July each year, you can admire the stunning Estate grounds, gardens and Castle Ballroom.
The surrounding area of Royal Deeside has earned its title through more than a century and a half's connection with the Royal Family. The world famous Braemar Gathering and Highland Games on the first Saturday of September is a must in the Royal calendar, and Crathie Church is attended by the Royals when in residence at Balmoral.
If you fancy exploring the area as Queen Victoria did herself, The Victorian Heritage Trail is for you.
The late Queen Mother was an avid fan of Scotland, having spent her childhood at Glamis Castle also the scene of Princess Margaret?s birth in 1930. The Castle is open from 29th March to 31st October 2003, and the stunning dining room and sinister Duncan?s Hall (thought to be the legendary setting for the murder of Duncan by Macbeth in the Shakespeare play) are definitely worth looking out for.
A Classic Car Extravaganza will be held at Glamis from 12 - 13 July 2003.
The Queen Mother was also particularly fond of The Castle of Mey, situated on the north coast of Caithness overlooking the Orkneys. Having purchased the then dilapidated Castle in 1952, she set about its renovation and both the Castle and gardens were restored to their former glory.
It was only opened to the public last summer, and this year the Castle and Gardens will open from 24th May until 12th October (excluding Mondays and Sunday afternoons) but will close between 2nd and 13th August, allegedly for a visit by Charles and Camilla.
St Andrews has become a Mecca for many a hopeful Prince William spotter since his enrolment at its University, showing that Scotland's lure is still strong for the younger members of the monarchy. Having decided to study there because of its small town atmosphere and proximity to the coast, he's grown to love it: ?There's a lot to do here?I do love Scotland. There is plenty of space, I love the hills and mountains and I thought St Andrews had a real community feel to it?.
If you?re hoping to see the heir to the throne in a kilt in public however, you?ll be disappointed, as he finds it ?a bit draughty".
This article was originally "printed" in the June 2003 issue of Uniquely Unspoilt, a free monthly e-magazine for those with an interest in rural Scotland.
Cottages relevant to this article
The following holiday cottages are within easy reach of one or more of the locations mentioned in the article:
- Holyrood Palace
- Balmoral Castle
- Knock Cottage, Nr.Crathie, Deeside (overlooks Balmoral) - Sleeps 4-6
- Royal Deeside
- Glamis Castle
- Castle of Mey
- St.Andrews
- Anchor House, Pittenweem (11 miles ot St.Andrews) - Sleeps 4
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