Royal Deeside :
Ballater (RD) Ltd

Ballater (RD) Ltd (or BRD) is a Scottish registered Charity and Company limited by Guarantee. It aims to utilise best practice to build capacity in the community; to undertake projects designed to sustain the local economy; to promote a sense of pride in the burgh of Ballater and surrounding area. BRD uses voluntary skills from within the communities. It has received private donations and public funding support from many sources, some of which are detailed on another page.

BRD has initiated several successful promotional projects including Royal Deeside Walking Week and supported many others including this web-site. It is involved with Community Woodland, assessing community needs and local history. It is responsible for running the valuable community bus service which is manned by MiDAS-trained local volunteers. A guide to our activities is given below.

BRD is a member of the Royal Deeside Partnership

Ballater (RD) Ltd, or simply BRD, has helped many local projects both practically and financially. Some, like the Ballater Eagle, Ballater Victoria Week and the Geddes Project are well established with their own organising committees. Others, some of which are listed below, continue to be part of BRD’s commitments and we take a major part in both organising them and raising the necessary funds.

Crossing Gairnshiel Bridge

The Community Bus
The Community Bus is used by many groups within the community, on both regular and occasional bases. It is specially adapted for wheel-chair and easy access. BRD organises the management and servicing plus the supply and training of volunteer drivers. We also seek to raise funds for the eventual replacement of the bus
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Community Woodland
Ballater has many fine wooded areas both around and within the village. As the village expands so these areas come under greater threat. This project looks at current and future needs for wooded and open spaces.

Craigendarroch Hill Viewpoint
The information panel on the top of Craigendarroch Hill is enjoyed by visitors and locals. We have received many compliments on the initiative.

Discussion at Planning for Real

Planning for Real
This is a wonderful exercise in ‘local democracy’. Working in co-operation with the Community Council, we have staged a series of meetings where residents can have their say on many matters without being under pressure. Many good new ideas - and opinions -have been put forward, some of which have now been done

History with Boots On
Combining archaeology and outdoor activity, this project has set out to provide interpretive panels near sites of local historical interest. (More)

Royal Deeside and Ballater websites
BRD is responsible for two websites
www.royal-deeside.org.uk
www.ballaterscotland.com
Both contain a wide range of information for both residents and visitors and have a high level of usage.

Taking a rest during Walking Week

Walking Week
Held annually in May, Walking Week is a success story attracting some 80 to 100 visitors to Ballater. Apart from giving an out of season boost to local businesses, it helps to promote the area as an attractive destination for walkers. The programme includes rambles designed for users of motorized scooters/ wheelchairs. (More)

Old School or new Ballater Centre?
Arising from opinions put forward at Planning for Real, a group is looking at the possibility of converting the disused old school into a community asset. Many residents wanted to see these fine Victorian buildings being used for the community and various possibilities for use were suggested.

However, the project will be a major undertaking and has two important constraints – it must be self-financing and it must not undermine the village halls. The group has carried out numerous study trips to similar centres in the east of Scotland and commissioned a Feasibility Study which reported favourably. At present the signs are promising based on a mixture of commercial and community uses. The steering group will keep the community informed about how the plans are progressing.

..and The River Festival
An annual festival is being planned to celebrate the many facets of heritage and culture of the various communities along the river Dee. The festival will help draw together the different communities and might eventually expand to cover the whole National Park area. So far, reaction to the proposed festival, has been positive

Why BRD is needed.
Pressure on funding agencies such as the EU, government, council, trusts etc. is increasing. Getting funding for local projects requires knowledge of fund-raising plus much determination and patience. In Bell Macaulay, BRD has a full-time employee, who works effectively for Ballater. She is able to provide advice and practical help to both businesses and the community. She is supported by a board of local (volunteer) directors.

BRD is part of the Royal Deeside Partnership. We acknowledge the help and support received from Cairngorms National Park Authority, Leader +, Scottish Enterprise (Grampian) and Marr Area Partnership.