Balmoral

Balmoral is a name used for several places and institutions, most notably Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and The Balmoral, a historic hotel in Edinburgh. The name is also associated with the Balmoral Estate surrounding the castle and with other uses linked to Scottish geography.

Balmoral Castle is a royal residence located on the Balmoral Estate near Ballater in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire. It has long served as a private summer residence for the British royal family and is closely associated with the monarchy. The castle and surrounding estate are privately owned by the Crown. The grounds include woodland, hills, and pastoral land, and the estate operates a deer park and forestry activities. Public access to the interior of the castle is limited and typically by invitation or special arrangement, while the grounds and nearby attractions may be open at certain times.

The Balmoral Estate encompasses the castle and its surrounding lands, totaling tens of thousands of acres in some descriptions. It is managed as private property of the royal family and plays a role in local employment and conservation efforts, balancing residential use with farming, forestry, and tourism on parts of the land consistent with private ownership.

The Balmoral is also a landmark hotel in Edinburgh. The Balmoral on Princes Street opened in 1902 as the North British Hotel and was renamed The Balmoral in 1991 after a major refurbishment. It is known for its distinctive clock tower and is operated as a luxury hotel within the Rocco Forte Hotels group, and it stands prominently opposite Waverley Station.