After several visits to Scotland in the 1840s, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert decided to establish a permanent residence there. The lease of the Balmoral estate was acquired in 1848 and Prince Albert finally took possession of the property in 1852. However, the existing castle soon proved too small for the Royal Family and it was decided to build a larger one nearer the River Dee. The Prince was deeply involved in the designs for the new castle and grounds, and he and the Queen watched their progress with great interest. This is one of several photographs recording the progress of the building made by the firm of Wilson & Hay. The new castle at Balmoral was completed in 1856.