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Ballater

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Ballater
Population1,446 [1] (2001 census)
est. 1,520[2] (2006)
OS grid referenceNO369958
Council area
Lieutenancy area
CountryScotland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townBALLATER
Postcode districtAB35
Dialling code01339
PoliceScotland
FireScottish
AmbulanceScottish
UK Parliament
Scottish Parliament
List of places
UK
Scotland

Ballater (Scottish Gaelic: Bealadair) 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 known for its spring water, once said to cure scrofula.

Glenmuick Parish Church, in the square.

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.[3]

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). Ballater railway station was closed in 1966. Many buildings date from the Victorian era and the centre of the village is a conservation area.

Royal connection

Balmoral Castle, the British Royal Family's holiday home, lies approximately 14km west, and the family has visited the town frequently since the time of Queen Victoria. Birkhall lies about 2km south-west of Ballater. The Victoria Barracks is used by the Royal Guard for the castle.

Local stores, including the butchers on the High Street and an outdoor sports shop, had for decades Royal Warrants bestowed upon them. Five years after the passing of the Queen Mother, who was the royal person who had granted them, the warrants lapsed and, to the chagrin of many townsfolk and especially shop owners, were removed[4].

The summer of 2005 saw record temperatures in the region[5], with many Cadet training activities near Ballater being cancelled.[citation needed]

Attractions

Ballater is a centre for tourism in Royal Deeside, with the Cairngorms and Balmoral Castle nearby. There are two bike hire shops in the village for exploring the surrounding rugged landscape: Cycle Highlands[6] and The Bike Station[7] The old Ballater station, containing Queen Victoria's waiting room, is now a visitor centre with a replica royal carriage.[8] Balmoral Castle is a 10-minute drive from the village.

Wherever you venture out of the village, there are many walks. 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.[9] Participants are guided through the hills and valleys of the eastern Cairngorms.
  • The Ballater Boules Challenge, on alternate Sundays from November to March each year, provides an alternative sport when the weather is not cold enough for the traditional game of curling.[10]
  • Victoria Week, held annually in August, is a celebration of Ballater's connection with Queen Victoria and Balmoral Castle.[11]

The village has its own 'tongue in cheek', on-line newspaper, the Ballater Bugle.[12]

Recently five Ballater residents refurbished the Automobile Association's Patrol Box at Cambus O'May, one of only 8 to 10 such historical call centres estimated to be remaining in situ within the United Kingdom.[13]

Notable residents

See also

EB1911 article name required (help);
select an article title from: Wikisource:1911 Encyclopædia Britannica

References

  1. ^ "Comparative Population Profile: Ballater Locality". Scotland's Census Results Online. 2001-04-29. Retrieved 2008-08-31.
  2. ^ "Mid-2006 Population Estimates" (Microsoft Excel). General Register Office for Scotland. Retrieved 2008-10-21.
  3. ^ C. Michael Hogan. "Elsick Mounth, The Megalithic Portal". ed. A. Burnham. Retrieved 2008-08-13.
  4. ^ "Town loses Queen Mother Warrants" BBC report, 31 December 2007
  5. ^ "Fear over Scottish climate change" BBC report, 4 August 2005
  6. ^ "Cycle Highlands". Retrieved 2008-10-21.
  7. ^ "The Bike Station". Retrieved 2009-09-24.
  8. ^ "The old Royal Station at Ballater". Royal Deeside. Retrieved 2008-08-13.
  9. ^ "Ballater Walking Festival". Royal Deeside. Retrieved 2008-08-13.
  10. ^ "Ballater Boules Challenge". Retrieved 2008-08-13.
  11. ^ "Queen Victoria: Spirit Of Ballater". Retrieved 2008-08-13.
  12. ^ Ballater Bugle website
  13. ^ "The Start of it all". Saving AA Box 472 Campaign website. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
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