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You may view the information for ALL the towns and villages
in Aberdeenshire (the page may be very large)
or
You can view your
preferred location from the list on the left.
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With Balmoral Castle in close
attendance, high-flying Braemar sits eagle-like at
a height of 1,100ft in the Cairngorm Mountains,
attracting thousands of visitors each year. It is
world-famous for its September Highland Games,
which are frequently attended by the Queen. The
colourful event dates to the 11th century when
Malcolm 111 set up contests to find his strongest
warriors. |
Braemar Castle - Photo:
Colin Smith
CCL |
Set among heathery scenery,
the village is overlooked by Cairn Toul, at
4,000ft, while the fortress of Braemar Castle acts
as a reminder of violent times. It was built by
the 2nd Earl of Mar in 1628 but was effectively
destroyed by a Jacobite army some 60 years later.
Repaired in 1748, it has a round tower, a huge
iron gateway and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. The
Invercauld Arms stands on a mound where the 6th
Earl of Mar raised the Jacobite standard in 1615.
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View over Braemar - Photo:
Peter Ward
CCL |
Nearby, the grey-granite
Balmoral Castle started life as a 15th century
tower house. It was bought by Queen Victoria and
Prince Albert in the mid-19th century and
transformed into a royal residence in the Scottish
baronial style. Crathie Church, where the Royal
Family still worship, stands on a knoll and was
built of granite in 1895. The summit of Lochnagar
towers above Balmoral while, below, the Royal
Lochnagar Distillery is an ever-popular
crowd-puller. Its unique malt was Queen Victoria’s
personal favourite. |
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Further information:
Braemar Hotels, Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast
accommodation
Braemar Self catering holiday cottages, cabins, lodges,
mobile homes parks
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