Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle is a large castle, which lies on the River Dee below the mountain Lochnagar in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is now the summer residence of Queen Elizabeth II, the British Queen. It stays there in the summer for about twelve weeks. The name " Royal Deeside ", which refers to the landscape in the upper reaches of the Dee, goes back to the royal owner. The castle is private property of the monarch, and not part of the Crown Estate.

The castle was built in the 14th century as the seat of Sir William Drummond. The area had previously served King Robert II as a hunting ground. In the following years changed the castle, which was, however, much smaller than today's, multiple the owner until it was by James Duff, 2nd Earl Fife, purchased. This leased it in 1848 to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a vacation home. Since both were fascinated by the Scottish countryside, acquired Albert Balmoral Castle from Duke.

Until 1856 the castle by the architect William Smith, designed by Prince Albert was completely rebuilt and expanded in the style of Scottish Baronials. It was mainly used as a building material granite. Many outbuildings were built. The cost of the construction project exceeded the purchase price by more than 15 times. Only because of a large inheritance, Queen Victoria had just received, these measures could be financed.

The estate covers about 243 square kilometers, including several small villages belong. It is privately owned by the British royal family and not part of the crown. Approximately 50 employees are employed throughout the year, more than the same number in addition in the season.

Since 1987 the castle is shown on the back of output from the Royal Bank of Scotland 100 - pound notes.