The Queen's private secretary Sir Christopher Geidt has bought a sheep farm in the Outer Hebrides and has been helping out with the lambing.
Sir Christopher's family have strong links with the Isle of Lewis where he now owns a 365-acre farm in South Lochs.
His grandfather, Kenneth Mackenzie, was a fish curer and coal merchant before he established a Harris Tweed manufacturer's plant in Stornoway and became provost of the Outer Hebridean capital.
Mr Mackenzie served on Stornoway Town Council from 1903 until 1912, and again from 1921 until 1925 when he retired due to ill health.
Sandhurst-educated Sir Christopher has been private secretary to the Queen since 2007.
A spokesman for Buckingham Palace confirmed the farm purchase and through him, Sir Christopher said: "Our roots are here and we consider this home."
The family previously owned a property at Borve on the west coast of Harris.
The farm was put up for sale previously for £525,000, which included a modern farm house and buildings.
It was previously owned by the local family of Charles MacLeod Butchers who made the famous Stornoway black pudding.
It is believed the farm is run in conjunction with a local crofter.
"But we have our own sheep and we are right in the middle of lambing," said Sir Christopher.
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