Royal 'rain shelter' to be sold

Queen Victoria used the cottage to shelter from the rain

A house built for Queen Victoria to stay in - but which she only used as a rain shelter - is to be sold.

The cottage, on the shores of Loch Katrine, was constructed in 1859 for the royal opening of Glasgow's water supply scheme.

Protocol stated that a house be built rather than using mobile accommodation.

However, its windows were shattered by a 21-gun salute during the opening. Instead, the Queen used the property as a shelter from the rain.

The C-listed building was later used by Glasgow councillors for holiday accommodation, and by Scottish Water for staff accommodation.

Current owner Scottish Water said offers over £325,000 were being sought for the cottage, near Stronachlachar in Stirlingshire, which has now been converted into three separate homes.

The firm's asset management director Geoff Aitkenhead said the Queen Victoria link would make it more attractive to potential buyers.

"Scottish Water has decided that the house is surplus to our requirements and, as with any asset that we decide to sell, it is being offered on the open market," he said.

"All proceeds from the sale of the property will go back into the business."