Royal Deeside : History and Folklore

Queen Victoria is a key figure in the history of Royal Deeside because her decision to buy and develop Balmoral Castle had such a profound effect on the development of the area. In each of Banchory, Aboyne, Ballater and Braemar most of the important buildings were built in the Victorian era. Her influence can still be directly felt in the Victorian Heritage trail, the old station at Ballater and the interest inspired by the recent film 'Mrs Brown'.

Various aspects of the history of Royal Deeside are presented on these pages : general history from pre-historic times, people and personalities, social history and buildings and visitor events. A menu for these pages is given below. Clicking the button takes you there.

However, the history of Royal Deeside stretches far beyond the Royal Connection. Thus, for example, it is possible to trace a thread leading from the defeat of MacBeth at Lumphanan, near Aboyne, through to today's popular Braemar Gathering and Highland Games. A key battle in the fight to retain Scottish independence was fought at Culblean on what is now the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve. The ghostly ruins of Knock Castle tell of clashes between the Forbes and Gordons. The very existence of nearby Ballater was the result of the foresight of the brave Francis Farquharson of Monaltrie, so nearly executed after the battle of Culloden. And, of a generation or so earlier, the exploits of Farquharson of Inverey make exciting reading even today. See detailed history menu

Standing Stones : part of a fine stone circle near Tarland

Evidence of the ancient stone age and Pictish inhabitants abounds, especially near Loch Kinord. The valley also played an important role in the spread of Christianity. Thus a fuller name for Banchory is Banchory St Ternan after the 5th century saint. The ruined church at Tullich was founded by St Nathalan and is surrounded by a round wall so that the 'devil had nowhere to hide'. ( Pictish stones can still be seen in the churchyard.) St Andrews Church at Braemar is a reminder that the relics of the saint came here first before going to the town that now bears his name.

Beyond the official histories are the stories that were passed on by word of mouth, of ghosts and witches and curses...

On these pages we briefly outline the history of the valley and greater local detail will be found within the equivalent pages of the four area sites (see red buttons above).

As a child Lord Byron stayed at a farm just east of Ballater. Later he wrote a poem 'Dark Lochnagar' which was put to music by Beethoven. Morven, the hill overlooking Tarland, and Culblean are mentioned in several of his poems as is 'sweet Mary {Robertson]'. It is possible that Byron's poems helped to persuade Queen Victoria to buy Balmoral-including Lochnagar. If so, then this valley would not have been the same without his brief stay.