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News • Scotland, festival • Scotland • Great Britain • 2011-07-26

Surprising ways to celebrate this year's Royal Weddings

Celebrate this year's Royal weddings by visiting a wide range of attractions and properties open year round which showcase Scotland’s links to Britain’s monarchs past and present.

Follow in the Queen’s footsteps and island hop around the Western Isles or try pony trekking in the grounds of the Royal Family’s Highland Estate.

Scotland is also host to a second royal wedding this year on July 30, when Zara Philips will be marrying England Rugby Captain Mike Tindall. The event takes place on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile in a picturesque church, providing a surprising start to the city’s world famous summer festivals season.

A selection of information on Royal Wedding events and activities taking place across Scotland can be found below.

Uncover the Queen Mother’s Highland retreat

The Castle and Gardens of Mey, Caithness, Highlands

The Queen Mother enjoyed summers in the most northerly inhabited castle on the British mainland for almost half a century.

Discover the ancient town where the Royal couple met

Fairmont St. Andrews, Fife

Fairmont St Andrews is widely reported as the place the Prince's head was first turned by his future bride as she starred in a fashion show. Dine in the room where the fashion show took place, enjoy the Spa that Prince William was a regular visitor to, and have ample time to explore the town of St Andrews where the couple both lived and studied.

Be captivated by Glamis, the Queen Mother’s honeymoon destination

Glamis Castle, Angus and Dundee

To celebrate the Royal Wedding of Prince William, a special Historic Wedding Exhibition will be on display througout the summer. Wedding items between the 15th century to the present day will be on display and will include the official wedding menu from the Queen Mother and King George’s wedding in 1923, and photographs from the Strathmore family weddings, including the Queen Mother’s siblings.

Spend a day as a Royal on board the Britannia

Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh

The Royal Yacht Britannia, former Royal Yacht of Her Majesty the Queen, has carried everything from the Crown Jewels to world leaders. A romantic honeymoon retreat for four royal couples since its launch in 1953, the yacht has travelled the world, from Sydney to Samoa.

Experience the Royals’ Scottish Highland home

Balmoral Castle and Estate, Ballater, Aberdeenshire

For a traditional Royal experience, guests can visit the Scottish home of the Royal Family with a trip to Aberdeenshire. The Balmoral Estate is home to a magnificent range of wildlife and is located on the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park. After a tour around the castle and grounds, try pony trekking, a luxury Landrover Safari, guided walks or salmon fishing on the Estate.

Island hop on the Queen’s Hebridean cruise ship

Hebridean Island Cruises, Outer Hebrides

Carrying a maximum of 50 guests, the Hebridean Princess has a reputation for excellence, with exceptional service, fine food and beautiful cabins. A favourite of the Queen, MV Hebridean Princess took her Majesty and members of the Royal family on a Scottish cruise around the Western Isles during the summer of 2010.

Exhibition of Royal photography

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

The official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty The Queen stands against the spectacular backdrop of an ancient volcano in the Old Town of Edinburgh. Visitors can enjoy the Palace with an audio tour, or join an exclusive evening tour after closing for a special insight into the history of Scotland’s official royal residence.

Until 5 June, the Palace’s Queen’s Gallery will display a collection of over 100 photographs to celebrate the work of Marcus Adams, who spent over 30 years creating a unique photographic collection of two generations of royal children.

If you are planning your own wedding day, visit www.visitscotland.com/scottishweddings for unique venues and ideas to surprise your guests.

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