The Duchess of Rothesay carries out engagements in Aberdeenshire

The Duchess of Rothesay, as The Duchess of Cornwall is known when in Scotland, visited Crathie Primary in Aberdeenshire today before touring the new Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion.

The Duchess was given a tour of the school - which has just nine pupils - before visiting the new games pavilion in nearby Braemar.

Her Royal Highness shared her love of the local area and its wildlife with the pupils.

The Duchess said she had never seen a capercaillie but had been fortunate to see some golden eagles, telling the children: "They're wonderful creatures - they're so big. When they have their wings out they're huge."

Her Royal Highness said nearby Lochnagar was a "special place" and told how she enjoyed cross-country skiing "because you can go for miles and miles, but it's very hard work".

The Duchess presented the pupils with books for the school library and she received a posy and card from the children.

The Duchess of Rothesay later visited a new heritage centre named in honour of The Duke of Rothesay, where she watched a display of Highland dancing by 24-year-old Rachael Walker from Fettercairn, Aberdeenshire.

The Duke of Rothesay Highland Games Pavilion is situated in the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, where the world-famous Braemar Gathering is held every September and regularly attended by The Queen.

The centre, which will open to the public next spring, tells the story of Scotland's Highland Games and is the new headquarters of the Braemar Royal Highland Society, organisers of the Gathering.

The Duchess admired a map of the site dating from 1906 and met members of the society and staff of The Prince's Foundation, a charity founded by The Duke of Rothesay which was involved in the building's construction.

David Geddes, president of the Braemar Royal Highland Society, said:

"We are delighted [The Duchess] has been able to see the building for herself and we look forward to welcoming her back in future."

He added: "Our hope is that people will come and visit when they are on holiday, and because they've been here they'll be inspired to go to Highland Games around Scotland."