A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Back to where it all began: Kate and Wills’ magical Scotland tour

- NICI DE WET

SCOTLAND and its people have always held a special place in royal hearts.

It’s where the queen spent much of her childhood and where she returns every year for her summer break at her beloved Balmoral estate, often with many members of her family.

It’s also where Prince William and Kate Middleton began their fairytale romance.

And so, when the couple returned to St Andrews University in Edinburgh – the place where they met and fell in love – during their mini-tour of the country, royal fans let out a swoon of sentimental delight.

Ah, how lovely to see them back in the place where it all began.

Even their office at Kensington Palace couldn’t resist a little reflection when they announced that the couple, who celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in April, would be taking a “trip down memory lane” with their return to the university.

Nothing – not even the gloomy Scottish weather – could dampen the royal superstars’ spirits as they got stuck into some serious fun.

The Cambridges showed off their competitive nature and sporty side by taking part in a land-yachting race on the nearby West Sands Beach with William narrowly beating his wife.

“We were surprised – we expected the duchess to win as she’s the more experienced sailor,” says Guy McKenzie of BlownAway, the company that provided the equipment.

“They said they would have loved to have tried the sport when they were students but that it wasn’t available then.”

The couple – who met as first-years in 2001 – were there to help a group of young people from Fife Young Carers enjoy a day off work.