Welcome to Ballater

The Royal Burgh of Ballater is located in the north-east of Scotland on the River Dee, in the county of Kincardineshire, approximately 525 miles north of London and 40 miles west of Aberdeen.

The town has a population of around 1,500. Administratively it is within the unitary council region of Aberdeenshire which covers an area of approximately 6,313 sq kms.

Surrounded by beautiful wooded hills, this small town owes its initial growth to the renown of its health-giving mineral waters which led to its development as a fashionable spa during the 19th-century. The many nearby hills, including Lochnager which rises to 3786ft, make it a popular base for walkers. The town, a popular centre for hikers, supplies the royal castle at Balmoral and hence visitors will notice numerous shops displaying signs announcing 'By Royal Appointment'.

Prior to 1700 Ballater was a small agricultural community. The town's modern history dates from the 18th century when the development of the health-giving wells at Pannannich, on the South side of the River Dee, attracted a major influx of visitors and led to Ballater's expansion as a spa centre. The subsequent arrival of the railway in 1866, and the proximity to the royal castle at Balmoral, assured the town's prosperity.

The traditional rural economy is based on agriculture (primarily livestock farming) and forestry. Tourism also plays a significant role with the Royal connection to Balmoral, the spectacular scenery of the Cairngorms, and the numerous castles and attractions in the area.