Queen Victoria’s Scottish Picnic Cottage Undergoes Restoration

A cottage historically used by Queen Victoria for picnics is set to become accessible to the public next year, following its restoration by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). This property, situated on the Mar Lodge Estate near Braemar, was frequented by Queen Victoria during her visits to Balmoral in the 19th Century. Constructed in 1850, the cottage had been listed on the Buildings at Risk register due to extensive decay when the trust assumed management of the nature reserve in 1975. The NTS subsequently stabilised the structure’s deteriorated state, with a comprehensive restoration plan commencing in 2023. David Frew, Head of Mar Lodge Estate for NTS, reported that archaeological surveys revealed the previous existence of a porch on the property. Archaeologists uncovered supporting structures for this feature during their research into the cottage, and the porch has since been reinstated. Mr Frew stated: “We have tried to reinstate this sympathetically with the help of our architects Moxon and archival architectural drawings, so that it’s in keeping with the rest of the property.” He further noted that the cottage offers a historical insight into the leisure activities of the royal family during their stays at Balmoral. The trust also indicated that bespoke furniture has been incorporated to provide a fully immersive experience within the 19th-century setting of the cottage. Andrew Macpherson, Director of Moxon Architects, commented that comprehensive surveys facilitated the reinstatement of the original structures with minimal alteration to the building. He added that collaboration with the trust and conservation specialists was instrumental in preserving its ‘fairytale charm’ for future generations.