Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were so enchanted by Scotland that they decided to find a holiday home in Aberdeenshire.

Surrounded by lochs, mountains and moors, Balmoral castle sits on the banks of the River Dee in Aberdeenshire. It offers a private refuge far from the public eye, and is where the royal couple could indulge their passion for Highland life; from tartans and bagpipes to picnics and porridge.

Balmoral played a key part in establishing a social phenomenon that shaped our view of Scottish culture and identity, both real and invented.