Ballater
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| Ballater | |
| Scottish Gaelic: Bealadair | |
  Ballater shown within Scotland |
|
| Population | est. 1,500 (2004) [1] |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| Council area | Aberdeenshire |
| Constituent country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BALLATER |
| Postcode district | AB35 |
| Dialling code | 01339 |
| Police | Grampian |
| Fire | Grampian |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| European Parliament | Scotland |
| List of places: UK • Scotland | |
Ballater is a burgh in Aberdeenshire, Scotland on the River Dee, immediately east of the Cairngorm Mountains. Situated at a height of 123m (700ft) in elevation, Ballater is a centre for hikers and is known for its spring water, once said to cure scrofula.
Contents |
[edit] History
The medieval pattern of development along this reach of the River Dee was influenced by the ancient trackways across the Grampian Mounth, which determined strategic locations of castles and other Deeside settlements of the Middle Ages.[1] In the early 14th century the area was part of the estates of the Knights of St John, but the settlement did not develop until around 1770; first as a spa resort to accommodate visitors to the Pananich Mineral Well, then later upon the arrival of the railway in 1866 (since closed). Many buildings date from the Victorian era and the centre of the village is a conservation area.
[edit] Royal connection
The British Royal Family's holiday home, Balmoral Castle lies approximately 14km West, and the family has frequently visited the town since the time of Queen Victoria. Birkhall lies about 2km South-West of Ballater.
The old Ballater station[2]which contains Queen Victoria's waiting room is now a visitor centre with a replica royal carriage. The Victoria Barracks is used by the Royal Guard for nearby Balmoral Castle.
Local stores such as the butchers on the high street and an outdoor sports shops have Royal Warrants bestowed upon them.
The summer of 2005 saw record temperatures with many Cadet Training activities being cancelled.
[edit] Attractions
Ballater is a centre for tourism in Royal Deeside, the Cairngorm Mountains and Balmoral Castle being nearby.
There are many walks wherever you venture out of the town. For the easy going walker, there is Craigendarroch, a small, peculiarly shaped hill that you can commence up immediately from the village. About 12km South-West of Ballater is the impressive Loch Muick. From there experienced walkers can head up the prominent mountain, Lochnagar. Ballater is the home of many challenging walks due to the abundance of Munros in the area.
Events in the town include:
- The Ballater Walking Festival held annually in May, attracts many hillwalkers of all levels. Participants are guided through the hills and valleys of the eastern Cairngorms
- The "Ballater Boules Challenge", which takes place fortnightly on a Sunday from November to March each year. It provides an alternative sport when the weather is not cold enough for the traditional game of curling.[3]
- Victoria Week, an annual celebration, held annually in August, of Ballater's connection with Queen Victoria and Balmoral Castle.[4]
There are two bikehires in the village for exploring the surrounding rugged landscape. 'Cycle Highlands'[2] and 'Cabin Fever'.
The village has its own 'tongue in cheek' on line newspaper 'The Ballater Bugle On-Line'.[5]
[edit] Notable Residents
- Sir Patrick Geddes, biologist and botanist
[edit] See also
[edit] References
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