A picnic cottage enjoyed by Queen Victoria during her visits to Balmoral has been restored to its former glory by the National Trust for Scotland.

The cottage was built by Queen Victoria’s granddaughter Princess Louise, but later had to be saved from disrepair after being placed on the buildings at risk register.

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) said the property, located in forest near Linn of Quoich, was found in a “poor state” when the trust acquired Mar Lodge Estate – the country’s largest nature reserve – in 1975.

Work has been undertaken in the past to stabilize its condition, including repairing the walls and installing a new roof and shingles.

The chalet has undergone extensive restoration work, which began in June and has now been completed.

NTS said workers first focused on clearing rubble inside the house before grouting mortar and harling on the house’s walls, dismantling dormer windows and installing doors, windows and floors to make it waterproof and accessible.

David Frew, Mar Lodge Estate Manager for NTS, said: “The building is a fascinating throwback to how members of the royal family spent their free time, and we are incredibly proud to see it restored to how it was. at its peak. Queen Victoria and the royal family are said to be holidaying at Balmoral.

“We are delighted to welcome visitors to discover the new chalet, where they can immerse themselves in its history.”

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In addition to repairing the structure of the building, a covered wooden porch was added to the exterior to help restore the original features of the cottage discovered during project research.

Mr Frew added: “Our archival research and subsequent archaeological investigation showed that there was a porch on the property, with our archaeologists discovering holes for the posts of the structure during on-site searches.

“We have tried to sympathetically restore this, with the help of our architects, Moxon Architects, and archival architectural drawings, so that it is in harmony with the rest of the property and with the period from the 19th century to during which it was originally built.”

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Mr Frew said new information panels will be added and specially commissioned furniture will be created so visitors “can relax and immerse themselves in the surrounding forest and nature”.

Moxon Architects helped to develop the restoration plans, with Brudon Joinery engaged to carry out the work after listed building permission was granted by Aberdeenshire Council last year.

Andrew Macpherson, director of Moxon Architects, said the practice took an approach that requires “minimal interventions while being durable and resilient – a key element for the building’s remote location, challenging climate and attraction role sightseeing”.

Mr Macpherson added: “We have worked closely with local planning authorities and conservation specialists to successfully balance preservation and modernization to safeguard the building’s history and ensure its charming charm fairy tale” remains intact for years to come.