Australian Steven Rafter's novel about his fellow countryman, the real-life Arthur Gordon McCrae, weaves fact and fiction around four characters whose lives are linked over 150 years, and it all starts at Balmoral Castle in the middle of the 19th century.

Steven, and a large group of friends and family from all over the world, gathered at the Piper's Hall near Balmoral Castle for the unveiling of 209 A Story, the plot of which had hitherto been a closely guarded secret.

Even the author's publicist, Katie Burt, admitted she has only seen sections of the book to date, and although the vast advance orders had "blown us away", nobody had received a copy prior to the Royal Deeside launch.

The main book launch is in Australia on 15 April, the 97th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, whose passenger list included the central character Arthur, the only Australian who died in the disaster and a man whose life story inspired Steven to pen his novel. A third launch in America follows in June.

The intrigue and suspense of the plot covers a period right up to the present day and the action takes place in Australia, Russia, France and America, as well as in Scotland.

In honour of the occasion, the men at the Balmoral event wore formal evening dress and the women wore unique or designer dresses with elegant trains, three-quarter length gloves and bright stoles.

Balmoral catering firm Sodexo collaborated with event organisers to produce themed cocktails and the overall effect was an atmosphere and ambiance similar to that of a grand reception in 1st class on an ocean going liner in the early 20th century.

Guests in their finery were piped into the event by Ballater Pipe Band member Dougie Kay, 19, from Torphins, who later accompanied Ballater sisters Kerry and Gemma Sinclair who danced the Highland Fling and Sean Truibhas, much to the delight of the visitors from abroad.

Aboyne Academy pupils Kerry, 14, and Gemma, 12, are the daughters of local butcher John Sinclair, a warrant holder who supplies meat to the Royal Household while they are in residence.

Steven Rafter's friends took turns to read small passages about each of the central characters. Many of the readers delighted in the discovery that the author had included something personal or recognisable to them from their own acquaintance with him.

Katie said: "It's an amazing opportunity to be able to have the first launch in this venue because this is where 209 A Story all started. Steven is a brilliant writer and we all love him deeply. The Australian launch is sold out, but it was important to have this more intimate event in a place so significant to the story."

All guests, including some local business people, were presented with a signed copy of a special limited print run of the novel and Katie said this was the signal for the start of wider distribution to those who have preordered online.

After the reception, a large number of the Australian guests, still in their grand finery, attended the Saturday disco at the Glenaden Hotel in the centre of Ballater.

For more information, go to www.209astory.com.