Swords, paintings, a Royal gem, chairs and even a teddy bear or two were among the treasures on show at Balmoral Castle yesterday.
As the Antiques Roadshow team filmed their most northerly episode yet, hundreds of people queued up to have their precious heirlooms examined by the experts.
Presenter Fiona Bruce mingled with the fans as they pulled their treasures from shopping bags, suitcases and bubble wrap, with large crowds gathering around her as she filmed.
The news reader said: “We’ve been to lots of wonderful stately homes before but a royal castle is right up there.
“We’re really hoping that people will bring things associated with Balmoral Castle and the estate, as the connection between Balmoral and the local people is very strong.
“Expect the unexpected at the Antiques Roadshow – you never know what will turn up.”
Her point was quickly proven, as two spades – perhaps not an obvious antique – caught the attention of the experts.
The spades, which each had a red velvet-type handle, were passed to Monymusk cattle breeder John Sim’s family by a friend who hated them.
But yesterday the pair were valued at £1,500 – due to their connection with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Mr Sim said: “They were used by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at a tree planting, although I don’t know where. They were later sold at a Duke of Buckinghamshire sale in 1921 or 1922.
“Friends of our family had landed up with these spades and the lady absolutely hated them – she kept one in the coal shed and another in the garden. She told my parents to take them away, so we’ve had them for quite a few years.
“They said it was quite unusual to have the pair. I just thought it was appropriate to bring them here because of where the show is being filmed.”
Carrbridge couple Tony and Denise Stott took along a one-armed dining chair, made for them by the late Scottish wood artist Tim Stead.
The chair is one of a set they had made for their home, and they were keen to see if it would become an “antique of the future.”
The pieces impressed furniture expect Christopher Payne, who told them it was a “fantastic piece” of contemporary furniture, and offered advice on insuring it and keeping records for the future.
Mr Stott said: “It took us about two years to find Tim, and he made two carver chairs which are enormous and then four chairs. They are quite a focal point when people come round.
His wife added: “Tim is no longer with us, so we wanted to see if these chairs will become an antique of the future and if they’re likely to grow in value.”
Sandy Kelly impressed the experts with a sword, dirk and brooch linked to the 1st Aberdeen Rifle Volunteers brooch.
Zan Kirk and her daughter Josiane brought along three items from Dumfries for the experts to look at, including a regal looking coal bucket, a huge bronze plate featuring the zodiac signs and an angel, and a quirky-looking china cockatoo.
For Brisbane holiday-maker Morag Wilson, the variety of heirlooms on display only added to the excitement.
Mrs Wilson, who is visiting family in the Banff area with her husband Dean, said: “The Antiques Roadshow is huge in Australia.
“When we came over, I wondered if we would be able to see it being made anywhere and then I saw the posters saying it was coming to Balmoral Castle – it was meant to be. I’ve been taking lots of pictures to show my friends.
“There’s a very festive feeling. It’s always interesting to see what the experts think, and to see how the show is put together.”
