Today, we set off from magical Perthshire, leaving behind green rolling fields, sheep and big trees to head north. After a refreshment stop at Spittal of Glenshee (about 45 mins north of Pitlochry) we arrived at Balmoral, a Highland Castle and estate owned by the Royal Family since 1852. We seem to have been granted VIP status as the gatekeeper allowed us to drive right up to the coach park close to the castle itself.

Balmoral basked in brilliant sunshine which afforded great photo opps.

After an hour or so we moved on from Balmoral, heading N.W. to Inverness through stunning Highland scenery via Grantown-on-Spey (a major whisky producing centre) to our destination, Castle Stuart.

Castle Stuart is a genuine castle which has been refurbished to a high standard to accommodate small groups of visitors and extend genuine Highland hospitality under guidance of the delightful host, Caroline.