Royal Deeside :
Ballater Local History Group

Ballater is a relatively new community but one which has already a very colourful history. It was formed around 1800 by Francis Farquharson and his nephew William to support the spa that they were developing at nearby Tullich. After the railway arrived at Ballater in the mid-Nineteenth Century the town grew rapidly for it was both an attractive holiday destination and the station which serviced the nearby royal Castle of Balmoral. Some aspects of this history are given within this website.(See menu below.)

The Ballater Local History Group was formed in 2008 and already the interest in its activities has proved almost overwhelming. The attendance at the meetings has been exceptional with much debate and many people have reported items of potential interest. The group is seeking to expand its activities and intends to present talks about local history as well as developing archives of photographs and documents.

The 'Bobbin Mill' used local birch to make bobbins for British textile mills

The bus to Braemar leaves Ballater in snowy conditions

Ballater station square with station (left) and village halls (right) c. 1935

An inspection of the guard normally followed after Royal visitors dismounted from the train at Ballater

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)