Ballater is a picturesque village in the heart of Royal Deeside surrounded by the Highland countryside of the Cairngorms National Park and situated on the banks of the famous salmon river, the River Dee. Ballater is approximately 40 miles west of Aberdeen and 8 miles from Balmoral Castle. Ballater is renowned for its royal connections and has many shops and businesses in and around Royal Ballater displaying the royal warrants of the queen and Prince Charles.The village has its own community website www.visitballater.com

Balmoral Castle is a five star visitor attraction. Set amongst magnificent scenery in the shadows of Lochnagar is the Balmoral Estate. Wild Loch Muick lies a few miles south of Ballater near the mountain made famous by Lord Byron. Here you may spot red deer, golden eagles and grouse on the eight-mile footpath around the loch. The Ballater Highland Games are held annually on the second Thursday in August. The Royal Lochnagar Distillery still retains much of its original charm. The farm buildings have remained largely unchanged since 1845 and lend the distillery much of its character.

The Glen Lui offers good food and wine in relaxing surroundings. The Green Inn is a multi-award-winning fine dining restaurant using fresh local ingredients to create modern Scottish dishes. The Alexander Hotel is a comfortable family-run hotel  with excellent meals. The Auld Kirk is the oldest church building in Ballater. It is now a stylish restaurant where you can enjoy the finest fresh local produce served in a contemporary style. The Brown Sugar Cafe offers a touch of nostalgia and style, and a large helping of traditional hospitality!

The Ballater Walking Festival is held high in the hills to the east of the Cairngorms National Park in May. August is famous for Victoria Week, the traditional Ballater Highland Games and the annual book fair. Don't miss the Ballater Bike Bash organised by the Cycle Highlands bike shop as well as the annual Lochnagar ascent in June. There are brown- and rainbow trout fishing competitions on the six-acre loch at Tullich Fisheries all year round.

Rowan Antiques in the church square in the middle of the village offer a diverse stock of antiques. McEwen's of Perth refurbished a store selling Scottish knitwear. Larks offers a changing selection of Scottish artwork from leading and emerging talents in painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, textiles, photography and jewellery design. H M Sheridan supply locals and holiday-makers with top quality produce. Gow's Delicatessen is a family-run business with a reputation for friendly service and the highest quality produce.