"A Breath of Fresh Air"
Birthplace of Sir Patrick Geddes "Maker of the Future"
Birthplace of Sir Patrick Geddes "Maker of the Future"
| Ballater
- an Award winning village |
Ballater is a village in the Highlands of Scotland which boasts the awards of Best Tourist Village 1995 and Best Community Tourism Event 1989 (Victoria Week). |
| Lots to Do | Ballater is an excellent base and is popular for all sorts of activities including golf, skiing, gliding, swimming, shooting and fishing, walking, climbing, nature and historical study, general rest and recuperation. Eating and drinking are an experience due to the remarkably high number of awards won by local hotels, restaurants and shops. There is something for everyone here who wishes healthy activities and a "Taste of Scotland" whether on the plate or in the glass! |
| Location
and Climate |
Ballater is blessed with a magnificent, unspoiled, location on Royal Deeside in the North East Highlands of Scotland, with spectacular scenery, relaxed ambience, friendly people and forest-scented air that you just seem to drink in. Sheltered by the Cairngorm Mountains, Ballater generally has a very pleasant climate in Summer punctuated by picture-postcard snowy Winters. In their Autumn colours the local forests are beautiful. Spring sees flowers and animal life emerging. So, anytime is a good time to visit, recognised by the people who turn up throughout the year. |
| Origins | A holiday destination for over 150 years, Ballater developed with the 19th Century fashion for Spa towns. Today, the original Pannanich Wells still produces bottled spring water which is sold locally and internationally. Ballater was further boosted as the area of the Scottish Highlands that Queen Victoria fell in love with. She chose to make her summer residence at nearby Balmoral. |
| Royal
Connections |
The area is called Royal Deeside due to the long association with the British Monarchy. Royal Warrant suppliers to the Royal Family are very much in evidence among local shops and businesses - a guarantee of quality which reflects the area. Royal connections are further emphasised by various commemorative events and exhibitions, during Ballater Victoria Week. For example in 1997 we explored the 100th Anniversary of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. In 1996 we recalled the Secret Visit of Nicholas II, the last Tzar of Russia to Queen Victoria at Ballater and Balmoral in 1896. This very successful and popular week was graced by the presence of the Russian Consul-General and featured a large number of events for all tastes and ages. In 2003 we featured the 50th Anniversary of HM the Queen's reign. |
| Accommodation,
Facilities and Location |
Accommodation and facilities are of a high standard (from Camping, Caravaning, Self-catering through Bed & Breakfast to hotels up to 4 star luxury and Country Club with pool) but suitable for every taste - and budget. Ballater is easily accessible by road, rail and air to Aberdeen (then by car (1 hr) or bus) or by car from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness all through pleasant and often spectacular countryside. Ballater is surrounded by famous name whisky distilleries, ski facilities, castles and mountains. Conference venues are available and regularly used. |
| Events
and Attractions |
Major events
of the year include: in August of each year Victoria
Week recognising the areas' Victorian heritage, Ballater
Highland Games. Golf Week takes place amid spectacular scenery. The annual Royal Deeside Walking Week has been "climbing" in popularity in recent years. Various arts events happen during the year and in 1995 Ballater was proud to host the European Pipe Band Championships. Ballater boasts art galleries, artists and writers, and antique shops. |
|
Tourist |
Tourist Information can be found at the Tourist Information Centre in The Old Royal Station, Ballater. The Station also houses a Victorian Railway Exhibition and Audio Visual guides to the area. |