Victoria’s Highland Fling

Introduction

There is little surprise that Royal Deeside has been referred to as Scotland’s crowning glory, a place renowned for its diversity and radiance.  Deep in the heart of the highlands, Royal Deeside attracts visitors worldwide, all enticed by its Royal Victorian Heritage, captivating scenery and variety of magnificent castles and other attractions (VisitCairngorms, 2016).  Following the River Dee through the heart of Aberdeenshire, Royal Deeside consists of various thriving villages such as Braemar and Ballater of which offer a range of accommodation, shopping and entertainment (VisitScotland, 2018).  Immersed in centuries of history, Royal Deeside has become recognised worldwide as a symbol of Scottish identity, one of which was at the heart of Queen Victoria herself.  This blog will reflect on the infamous Victorian Heritage within Royal Deeside.

                                                        Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire 

Victorian Heritage in Royal Deeside 

When Queen Victoria needed a place to escape, it was Royal Deeside that she came to.  Victoria visited the area of Aberdeenshire during 1842 which according to her diary, she described as “all seemed to breath freedom and peace”.  She was so captivated by the aesthetic beauty of the area that in 1852 her husband, Prince Albert, bought her the Balmoral Castle and Estate in the heart of the Highlands (Hopper, 2018).  Since then, the following generations of the Royal Family have adopted the area as their official summer residence.  Known for its rich heritage and long telling history, Royal Deeside is now home to the Victorian Heritage Trail, allowing people to embark in the footsteps of royalty and fully experience what Queen Victoria labelled “my dear paradise in the Highlands” (Hopper, 2018).

So let’s explore the Victorian Heritage Trail in Royal Deeside.

Figure 1: Royal Deeside Railway

One stop which is steeped with Victorian Heritage is the Royal Deeside Railway at the Milton of Crathes.  For over 150 years this unique track, which originally ran from Aberdeen to Ballater, was patronised by all British Monarchs and many of their respected guests who visited the Balmoral Estate (ScotlandInfo, 2012).  Since its closure in 1966, one mile of scenic railway has since been restored alongside the River Dee, providing passengers with a sense of the steam rail journey the Royal Family would have taken.

Figure 2: the Queen’s View

The Queen’s View is one of the most photographed areas in Scotland and was known as Queen Victoria’s favourite vista, looking over Lochnagar, Mount Keen and Morven (ScotlandInfo, 2012).

Figure 3: Ballater

Ballater was one of Queen Victoria and Prince Alberts most cherished villages. An indication that this little town was given the Royal seal of approval is that it has more ‘By Royal Appointment’ warrants than any other comparable place in the world (Murphy, 2011).  The most popular attraction in Ballater is the Old Royal Station, home to a visitor centre that commemorates each one of Victoria’s trips.

Figure 4: Crathie Kirk

The Village of Crathie, located on the edge of the Balmoral Estate attracts numerous visitors due to its association with royalty.  In 1893, Queen Victoria rested a foundation stone for Crathie Kirk and today, it remains a place of worship for the Royal Family (Hopper, 2018).

Figure 5: Balmoral Castle

The Balmoral Castle and Estate is still currently the summer residence of the Royal Family and is one of many famous castles to visit in Royal Deeside.  Located between Ballater and Braemar, the Royal Family have used the castle as their tranquil retreat since the mid-19^th Century (VisitScotland, 2018).

Figure 6: The Braemar Gathering or ‘Highland Games’

The end location of the Victorian Heritage Trail is Braemar, known for its major Victorian connections.  The first Braemar Gathering was hosted at the Braemar Castle when Queen Victoria became patron in 1948 (Scotlandinfo, 2012).  The Highland Games are still attended by Royal Family each year.

Conclusion

The depth of heritage, aesthetic landscapes and long traditions all combine together to create a place that feels like a ‘paradise in the Highlands’.  Royal Deeside has preserved the many areas of Victorian Heritage, allowing successive generations – including the Royal Family – to follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria.  Preserving this heritage has been important to understand how life used to be and such areas allow us to experience the historical Scotland that satisfied Queen Victoria.

 

 

 

 

 

References:

Hopper, J. (2018). Royal Deeside: Scotland’s Victorian Heritage Trail. Britain Magazine. Available at: http://www.britain-magazine.com/features/royal-deeside-scotlands-victorian-heritage-trail/

Murphy, A., 2014. Scotland Highlands & Islands Footprint Handbook. Footprint Travel Guides.

Steen, R. (2012). Victorian Heritage Trail in Royal Deeside Relaunched. Scotland Information Guide. Available at: https://www.scotlandinfo.eu/victorian-heritage-trail-in-royal-deeside-relaunched/

Visit Cairngorms. (2016). Royal Deeside – a genuine royal gem. Available at: https://blog.visitcairngorms.com/deeside-genuine-royal-gem/

Visit Scotland. (2018). Royal Deeside. Available at: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/royal-deeside-p237731

Visit Scotland. (2018). Victorian Heritage Trail – Itinerary. Available at: https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/attractions/historic/victorian-heritage-trail-itinerary/

Images:

Cover picture: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/cairngorms/braemar-riverside.shtml

Figure 1: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/royal-deeside-railway-p254131

Figure 2: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/queens-view-p402191

Figure 3: https://www.thegordonguesthouse.com/

Figure 4: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-4743846/Queen-arrives-Crathie-Kirk-near-Balmoral-Castle.html

Figure 5: http://royalcentral.co.uk/uk/thequeen/queen-at-balmoral-castle-for-summer-holiday-11751

Figure 6: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-37257716