Published: Thursday, 22nd July, 2010 9:24am

Look who just dropped by!

by Alex Lawrie

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GOLFING tourists at Musselburgh's Old Course were treated to a surprise royal visit when Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip dropped by unexpectedly.

The Queen had been in residence at Edinburgh's Palace of Holyroodhouse and was due to return to Buckingham Palace via helicopter last Wednesday.

But foul weather meant that the monarch's helicopter was unable to land at Holyrood Park for the pick-up - so touched down at Musselburgh Racecourse instead, much to the delight of American golfers at neighbouring Musselburgh Old Course.

At about 10.30am last Wednesday, a helicopter was seen circling the skies above Musselburgh.

Without warning, the chopper began to descend and eventually landed on the racecourse.

As a few American golfers took to the adjacent golf course, the pilot then told staff at the course clubhouse that he was waiting to pick up the royals and fly them back to Buckingham Palace.

Club secretary Robin McGregor said: "I was in the clubhouse regaling some American visitors with the history of the course when I spotted the helicopter landing not far from us.

"I was a bit surprised so went over to speak to the pilot.

"I noticed the chopper had the royal insignia on the side and the pilot told me he was unable to land at Holyrood due to the weather.

"We gave him his exact location, and within half an hour two silver Land Rovers turned up and the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh both got out. You should have seen the American visitors' faces, it was priceless.

"They told me, 'We can see Tiger Woods anytime, but we never thought we would ever see the Queen in person'."

Club starter Kenny Armstrong added: "It was a really cold day so we were all in the clubhouse.

"It was quite busy though, because of visitors heading to St Andrews for the Open.

"We all couldn't believe it when the helicopter began to come down.

"After hovering about 20 feet above the ground it came down about 20 yards in front of the first tee.

"I spotted the helicopter had the royal colours and then saw the crest.

I know the Queen held a garden party the day before so knew instantly it would be for her.

"After about 20 minutes, a convoy of about eight police motorbikes arrived and two Land Rovers followed quickly behind.

"It was all over quickly, but it was a very memorable moment."