Royal Deeside :
AA Box 472 at
Cambus O' May

In the first half of the 20th Century a common roadside sight across Britain were black and yellow boxes emblazoned with the symbol AA. These boxes contained a telephone that was available to members of the Automobile Association for emergency purposes. All boxes could be opened with the same key and members were each supplied with a key.

The increase in the number of phones and the improved reliability of cars steadily reduced the need for these boxes. Many were removed altogether and many were replaced by simpler modern structures. Boxes of the original design are now very rare. One of about only sixteen is AA Box 472 at Cambus O' May, about three miles east of Ballater on the A93, which has recently been refurbished by a goup of local enthusiasts. It is the only such box in the Cairngorms National Park.

For more details see the official website

AA Box 472 at Cambus O' May pictured in 2003

Scene from the opening ceremony for the refurbished AA box, 2009

The Ballater Local History Group is anxious to hear from anyone who is interested in the history of the area and anyone who might have information, photographs or artefacts that may be of interest to the group. At present the co-ordinator of the group who is acting as the first point of contact is

Mr Alistair Cassie (Tel: 013397 55396)