Ballater lies at the heart of Royal Deeside and is surrounded by hills, rivers and forests. Ballater is a charming Victorian village, beautifully laid out, 44 miles from the city of Aberdeen.

Ballater was originally a spa town, built to accommodate visitors who came to use the healing water of Pannanich Wells, on the south side of the river. The air is sweet and clear, there's a friendly welcome and genuine Scottish hospitality. The days are long and fair in summer, wide blue skies and hills surround this much loved jewel in Scotland's crown. The winter days are sharp and clear with night skies full of stars and moonlight as bright as day.

The village has interesting shops - many with Royal Appointment signs - showing that the Royal Family also shop here. There are good restaurants, several pubs and a visitor information centre.