In August 1847, Her Majesty Queen Victoria, accompanied by Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess Royal, made their first Royal visit to the Highlands. They occupied for a time Clunyıs beautiful residence of Ardverikie, overlooking Loch Laggan. A copy of the painting of Ardverikie House by Queen Victoria may be viewed at Panel 29.

      A visit to Cluny Caste was made by the Royal party, who examined the shield and other relics of Prince Charles Edward Stuart with the greatest interest. The Queen was most favourably impressed with Clunyıs polished manners and chivalrous courtesy. Her Majesty showed her long standing regard by conferring upon Cluny the distinction of the Order of the Bath. This was personally bestowed on Cluny by Her Majesty and was highly prized.

      In Leaves From The Journal of Our Life In The Highlands, Queen Victoria wrote "There is little to say of our stay at Ardverikie; the country is very fine, but the weather was most dreadful." However, she also mentioned the splendid scenery, high bold hills, woods, glens and the River Pattock with its small waterfall. Had the weather been more favourable during her visit, it is highly likely that she would have made her home in the area and it would have become Royal Speyside. As it was, she subsequently discovered Balmoral and it became Royal Deeside -- the rest is history!