Crathie Kirk

In the village of Crathie, together with the famous Balmoral Castle lies this small rural church, which now forms part of the congregation of Braemar. Built on a famous site of Christian worship, and begun in the 9th century, it's well known for its annual visits from the British Royal Family. They hold a private mass for the Royals during the summer holidays. The present church was erected in 1804 on the ruins of another church that was built in the 13th century. Its opening was officiated by Queen Victoria, a great lover of Scotland, who started the existing tradition of monarchs visiting here.