Yahoo News The pyramid you can visit without leaving Scotland
If you're keen to see a pyramid this summer, there's no need to jet off to Egypt or South America. Instead, head to the Scottish Highlands and visit Prince Albert's Cairn.
Located on the Balmoral Estate, Prince Albert's Cairn is one of several cairns - human-made piles of stones typically used to mark or commemorate something - dedicated to members of the Royal Family.
While most of the Balmoral Cairns have a traditional appearance, Prince Albert's Cairn stands out with its pyramid-like structure, an unusual sight in the Scottish Highlands.
The pyramid was commissioned by Queen Victoria following the death of her husband, Prince Albert. In her diary, the Queen noted that the pyramid would be built so "it could be seen all down the valley."
Queen Victoria herself laid the first slab in August 1862. The pyramid features two inscriptions, the first from Victoria's prayer book: "He, being made perfect in a short time, fulfilled a long time. For his soul pleased the Lord; therefore hasted He to take him away from among the wicked."
A second, more personal inscription added by Victoria reads: "To the beloved memory of Albert the great and good Prince Consort. Erected by his broken hearted widow Victoria R. 21st August 1862."
Queen Victoria oversaw the construction of several cairns in Balmoral during her reign, many of which were built to celebrate her children's weddings, while another was erected in memory of her mother.
A separate cairn was constructed in tribute to John Brown, Victoria's favoured servant and close friend, following his death in 1883.
However, this was later demolished when Victoria's son, Edward VII, who had a dislike for Brown, took the throne.
Two additional cairns were erected to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 2012, with one situated in the nearby village of Ballater and the other within the Balmoral Estate.
Find out more about the Cairns Walk here.
