Annie O'Neill, visitor enterprises assistant at Balmoral Estates, displays the antique trowel used to lay the foundation stone of Balmoral Castle to launch the 2004 Victorian Heritage Trail.

The trowel, dating from 1853, has never been seen before by the public and will be the main feature in this year's exhibition at Balmoral, which opens to the public today (Thursday April 1, 2004).

The popular tourist trail, which incorporates castles, distilleries, communities and their royal connections, has been in signposted since 1988.

And Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board, in partnership with Scottish Enterprise Grampian, has designed and printed 70,000 new broadsheet leaflets for visitors to the trail.

A distinctive profile of Queen Victoria on brown-coloured tourist signs points the way for the Victorian Heritage Trail, leading visitors to some of the many sights she enjoyed during her regular visits to the area.

Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board's marketing manager, Charles Currie, said: "Queen Victoria once described Balmoral as her 'dear paradise in the Highlands' and the area that the Victorian Heritage Trail runs through is indeed very beautiful. Deeside's Victorian Heritage Trail offers a unique, high quality experience set amongst fantastic scenery and, as the days become warmer, it becomes the ideal place for family trips, walking or cycling.

"Balmoral Castle hosts the Balmoral Road Race each summer and the stunning 10km course winds its way along the footpaths and roads of the royal estate taking in all the natural beauty it has to offer. Past winners include, Paula Radcliffe, Sonia O'Sullivan, Kelly Holmes and John Mayock.

"Many local businesses on the trail proudly display Royal coats-of-arms. This heraldic flourish indicates these businesses supply members of the Royal family with goods or services. The town of Ballater has more 'By Appointment' signs than any other comparable place in the world, a heritage that was further enriched by the opening of the restored Old Royal Station Ballater in 2001."

Balmoral Estate, which attracts over 80,000 visitors each year, is now open to the public each day until July 29, 2004, from 10am until 5pm.

Garry Marsden, Balmoral Estate's visitor enterprises manager, said: "There are many new things to see at Balmoral this season. The new ticket office at the main gates will welcome visitors who can take a trailer ride to The Castle if they want to save their legs.

"The Audio Visual display gives a flavour of the work of the people who live and work on The Estate throughout the year. The Balmoral Exhibition includes over 40 photographs, developed from original negatives stored at Windsor Castle. The photographs cover many historic events and people at Balmoral. The shop and cafeteria have also had a makeover and there are some new and unique Balmoral gifts to be purchased."