Universalis

Tuesday 9 June 2009

Balmoral Castle - 2

Here we see Her Majesty enjoying a lunchtime drink in the gardens of Balmoral Castle following Divine Service at Crathie Kirk.



The Queen is set to open a bar at Balmoral Castle - so her staff can unwind at the end of their shifts.

Aides, servants and protection officers will be able to relax with a drink in a cosy lounge in the Piper’s Hall, 50 yards from the Highland castle on the remote Aberdeenshire estate.

Previously thirsty workers had to go to the village of Ballater ten miles away.

A senior aide to the Queen said: “Piper’s Hall is a great setting, right next to the river. I guess you could say it’ll be one of the most exclusive bars in Britain.

“The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will visit the new bar without a doubt. The staff fancy dress party has been held in the Piper’s Hall and she always popped in to pick the winner.

“She’s partial to a gin and Dubonnet while the Duke likes a single malt.”

Applications for planning permission and an alcohol licence have been submitted.

The bar will open seven nights a week from August until March but the hall will revert to a tourist cafe and shop when the estate is open to the public.

Deacon Peter is looking forward to an invitation to drinks with Her Majesty!

We shall all be raising our glasses this evening at St Columba's, as we celebrate the Feast Day of our Patron Saint.

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