13.8. in the presence of the Queen

At about half past nine we clear our place and make our way to Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the Queen. Once we have stored the monster in the fortunately sparsely occupied parking lot, we unfortunately see after a few meters (sorry, yards) of walking that the gate is blocked and guarded by bobbies...no visit possible, unfortunately.

So on to the alternative tour, further to the Royal Lochnagar Distillery...20 minutes further on foot...once we arrive there, we have to realize that a visit is only possible one hour later. So we turn back.

As we pass by the bridge in front of the gate of Balmoral Castle again, a policeman waves us aside with the words 'Please wait here, the Queen will be passing by shortly' and immediately becomes our personal guard. We wonder...no crowd or any other hustle and bustle in sight, when the Rolls Royce with the Queen and her husband rolls by. She looks at us bewildered (we look at her bewildered too)...probably we should have bowed or at least waved. Back at the parking lot, the smart Scottish guards also come towards us, who probably saluted a few curves further on. After work, they even have time for a photo with Sophie and Felix.

After all the excitement, this time we drive to the distillery by motorhome...unfortunately, no success...children of 6 years are not allowed. They don't want us.

After that, a two-hour drive through a great area to Aviemore, where we spend the night at the campsite. Italian dinner at La Taverna (half an hour walk).