Mary and Monica were in Italy having won an all-expenses-paid competition with Virgin Balloon Flights.

Bonnie Scotland will at last have the chance to take flight in Virgin Hot Air Balloons, it was announced today.

The news comes after the UK’s biggest hot air balloon operator Virgin Balloon Flights cemented an exciting new partnership with the National Trust For Scotland.

NTS has allocated VBF its finest castles and stately homes to give passengers some of the best vistas in Europe.

Virgin’s managing director Damian Brockway is thrilled:

“It goes without saying that Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. We are very excited about showing Scotland that ballooning is an experience to remember.”

VBF has spent months visiting the National Trust’s top properties, selecting the very best locations.

Launch sites include Brodie Castle (Moray), Crathes Castle, Fyvie Castle, Castle Fraser (Aberdeenshire), The House Of Dunn (Angus), Falkland Palace, The Pineapple (Fife), Bannockburn (Stirling), Glenfinnan Monument (Highland).

David Sharland, Director of Operations, The National Trust for Scotland agrees Virgin balloons spell good news for trust visitors:

“The Trust's range of properties includes areas of outstanding beauty across Scotland and we believe that this partnership with Virgin Balloons will give visitors a truly unique opportunity to experience these properties. We are delighted to be working together to give visitors a truly memorable experience.”

Log on to www.nts.org.uk