Scotland has its own pyramids that are much more recent (and smaller) than the famous Egyptian pyramids nestled in the woodlands of Cairngorms National Park, dating back to Queen Victoria. The Secret Scottish Pyramid is the largest of all the cairns located around the estate and has a story behind it.
Queen Victoria was delightfully fond of the Balmoral Estate, even though it was deemed “unsuitable for the presence of a court” being so far up North. The queen loved visiting Scotland for its stunning nature and the straightforwardness of the Scottish which led her to always stay as long as possible, and I mean, what’s not to love?!
What is more, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were free to roam as they pleased while visiting the estate, which provided a much-needed sense of freedom for someone who doesn’t normally get any. As such, the pair were free to go camping by Loch Muick, climb Lochnagar or simply go boating.
The Balmoral cairns
After purchasing Balmoral in 1852 and hiring Aberdeen Architect William Smith to spruce it up to current royal standards, Queen Victoria built the first cairn out of a pile of stones. She built the Purchase Cairn with her own hands (well, started to, at least). Queen Victoria wrote in her diary: “I placed the first stone, after which Albert laid one, then the children, according to their ages.
“All the ladies and gentlemen placed one, and then everyone came forward at once, carrying a stone and placing it on the cairn. At last, when the cairn, which I think is seven or eight feet high, was nearly completed, Albert climbed up to the top of it, and placed the last stone, after which three cheers were given.”
There are 11 cairns at Balmoral, and visitors can find eight of them on the circular walk to The Secret Scottish Pyramid. Every single one of them has significant family events and tributes, whether it is Princess Royal’s Cairn to mark Victoria and Albert’s daughter Victoria’s marriage, or Princess Beatrice’s Cairn, who was Victoria’s last child to leave the nest and marry after Prince Albert died in an untimely death.
Prince Albert’s Cairn, also known as The Secret Scottish Pyramid
The most mysterious and the largest cairn of them all is The Secret Scottish Pyramid, also named Prince Albert’s Cairn, quietly telling the pair’s love story. Looking like something out of a fantasy novel, the pyramid was built in honour and memory of Prince Albert in 1862. Prince Albert passed away in 1861 at the mere age of 42 due to typhoid fever, which scarred Queen Victoria for the rest of her life.
The pyramid is 35 feet tall, built from dressed granite that has a meaning of everlasting love, and we can’t help but appreciate the sentiment.
Queen Victoria even commemorated her dogs with cairns, and the legacy continues to mesmerise guests to this day. And for those who would like to go see it for themselves, you can find out more in our guide.