The afternoon arrived with a sudden, dark shift in the Scottish weather. The morning sunlight was swallowed whole by heavy, charcoal-grey clouds that rolled in from the North Sea, unleashing a steady, rhythmic rain against the high arched glass windows of the nursery suite.

Inside, the nursery was a warm, tranquil haven. The fireplace crackled softly, throwing dancing golden shadows across the carved wooden crib and the dark green velvet rocking chair.