The Monarchy after the Union.

In 1714 the Hanovarians acquired the British crown and though they had no special dislike of Scotland they had no special affinity either and certainly no reason to visit. Indeed they were as alien to Scotland as they were strangers in England. Scotlands inclement weather and perhaps had more to do with keeping British monarchs in England and away from Scotland for the next three Georges in combination with the vitriolic and continual barrage of anti-Scottish prejudice directed at them from their English courtiers. Eventually though the charms of Scotland made an impact in London or on Queen Victoria at least.

On Victorias first visit to Scotland the government in London feared for her life and she quickly found that Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh did not fit her life of unadulterated luxury. She was not amused, yet somehow the peace and and quiet which she so often wished for in the over-populated city of London could be found in Scotland. Soon she was speaking of the "dear, dear Highland", attending the kirk, climbing mountains and hills and searching for a place to buy. Such was her desire to enjoy everything Scots that she even required her German husband Albert to wear the kilt while on exhibitions through the glens to hunt. Victoria, of course, out lived Albert and after his death she began to spend more and more time in Scotland.

Victoria is known to have travelled the Highlands in disguise and to have become friendly with common Highlanders who she liked as honest, sharp and kindly people. Her son, the Prince of Wales, was sent to Edinburgh University for a while and indeed completed a fair proportion of his education in Scottish schools. Victoria went a long way to renew the links between the reigning monarch and the Kingdom of Scotland.

Since Victoria the royal family have been very careful to maintain ties with Scotland. In point of fact for many of them the matter has been one of choice not duty. The Scottish Highlands afford a wonderful respite from the city life and to this day Balmoral Castle remains the summer home of the royal family. Prince Charles, the present Prince of Wales, was educated at Gordonstoun School in Moray, has written of his love for Scotland and is often found alone in remote places recuperating and resting. However, the closest link between the royal family and Scotland has come through marriage.

The Lyon family can trace their ancestry to Robert the Bruce form whom they descend. In the 14th century they became barons of Glamis and later still the family acquired the title Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, married into the Bowes family and created the family name of Bowes-Lyon. In 1923 Albert, Duke of York, married Lady Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon, the third daughter of the 14th Earl and when his brother, Edward VIII, abdicated in 1936 Albert became King George VI and his Scottish wife Queen Consort. Both as Queen and Queen Mother, Elizabeth captivated the hearts of the nation. Her grace, intelligence and charm is consistent with her Scottish birth. Her childhood home of Glamis Castle is even today her favourite retreat where she retires to her native land.

Today, of course, the functions of the royal family are wholly symbolic and ceremonial. The ancient monarchs of Scotland devoted their lives to the creation and preservation of their nation and it is worth bearing in mind that the descendents of the so called Pretenders to the Scots throne are known and still take an active interest in Scots affairs from afar.