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Queen's life at Balmoral celebrated in exhibition

Rachel Bell
BBC Scotland reporter
PA Media Assistant curator Sarah Hoare adjusts outfits worn by Queen Elizabeth II whilst at Balmoral as they go on display in the Castle Ballroom at the opening of Life at BalmoralPA Media

The Queen's relationship with her Scottish summer holiday home at Balmoral is being celebrated in a special exhibition to mark her Platinum Jubilee.

The display at the castle in Aberdeenshire opens on Friday and the centrepiece is an art installation highlighting the plight of salmon conservation.

It is a cause important to Her Majesty and the Balmoral Estate, through which the River Dee runs.

The exhibition in the castle ballroom is to honour her 70-year reign.

The castle, in the heart of Royal Deeside, has been the Queen's Scottish holiday home for decades.

BBC Balmoral CastleBBC
Balmoral Castle is hosting the show
Countess of Wessex via Press Association The Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen, pictured in the Scottish Highlands in 2003Countess of Wessex via Press Association
One of the Queen's favourite photographs of her spending time with the Duke of Edinburgh was taken in Aberdeenshire

Called "Life at Balmoral", the exhibition covers various aspects of life on the estate.

At its heart is an imposing sculpture called "Salmon School".

It is the first contemporary art installation to be put on display at one of the Queen's homes.

PA Media Artist Joseph Rossano and assistant curator Sarah Hoare view The Salmon School art installation on display in the Castle Ballroom at the opening of Life at Balmoral, the Platinum Jubilee exhibition at Balmoral Castle, in Royal Deeside, AberdeenshirePA Media
The 'Salmon School' artwork is a major part of the new exhibition
BBC Joseph RossanoBBC
Joseph Rossano is the artist behind "Salmon School"

Artist Joseph Rossano said: "This piece represents roughly 1% of all the salmon returning to the Dee.

"The estate and the Dee Trust that's been supporting this project are trying to impress upon people what this looks like and how, when we see ourselves reflected in it."

BBC Car with Prince Charles nameBBC
Some of cars used by young royals are on display
BBC Car with Prince Charles nameBBC
One has the name of Prince Charles on it
BBC DressBBC
Elegant clothing is another feature of the exhibition
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PA Media Assistant curator Sarah Hoare adjusts outfits worn by Queen Elizabeth II whilst at Balmoral as they go on display in the Castle Ballroom at the opening of Life at BalmoraPA Media
BBC Sarah HoareBBC
Assistant curator Sarah Hoare said some dresses were worn to the traditional Ghillie's Ball

Assistant curator Sarah Hoare said: "'We have five dresses which we've been very lucky to have this year.

"We have two ballgowns, which have been worn to the Ghillie's Ball, which we hold here every year in this very ballroom."

The exhibition runs until 2 August.

Meanwhile, two classic cars on loan from the Royal collection at Sandringham Estate are starring at Grampian Transport Museum in Alford, Aberdeenshire, as it opens its doors for the 2022 season on Friday.

Grampian Transport Museum 1900 Daimler PhaetonGrampian Transport Museum
A 1900 Daimler Phaeton is now at Grampian Transport Museum
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Grampian Transport Museum 1924 Daimler Shooting BrakeGrampian Transport Museum
A 1924 Daimler Shooting Brake is also in Alford after being loaned from the Royal collection at Sandringham Estate
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They are a 1900 Daimler Mail Phaeton and 1924 Daimler Shooting Brake.

Museum manager Ross McKirdy said: "It is a great honour to have been loaned these magnificent Royal cars in this Platinum Jubilee year."

All images are copyrighted, Balmoral images by Rachel Bell, BBC Scotland.