From Issue Eight of Hidden Scotland Magazine

A Weekend Exploring Royal Deeside

A local’s guide to a weekend on the River Dee in Aberdeenshire.

Words by Alice Nicol · Photographs by Simon Hird

Printed in Issue Eight of Hidden Scotland Magazine, Spring and Summer 2024.

Alice Nicol lives and works on the Ballogie Estate in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire. In this feature Alice shares what to see and do in the area, and where to eat, drink and shop like a local.

Meet your local guide

Alice Nicol

Alice Nicol is part-owner of Ballogie Estate, where she lives and works with her family. With her two sisters, she is committed to the estate’s future, showcasing its produce through Potarch Café and managing the land to safeguard its habitats and wildlife. Hello, I’m Alice Nicol, I oversee the recreation side of the business, which includes: the café, Potarch lodge, cottages, fishing and the private use venue, Ballogie House. I work in partnership with two of my sisters. We practise integrated land management, weaving together farmland, forest and river. It’s early days on our journey, the business is in transition to the next generation, which is both exciting and challenging, getting the balance right between respecting cultural heritage whilst embracing change.

How long have you lived in Ballogie, Aberdeenshire, and what brought you here?: I was born in Aberdeen and grew up on Ballogie’s Home Farm. After working in London for roughly 10 years, I moved back with my partner in 2020 to take on the new chapter of the business. The opportunity to work with family was a big draw, as well as finding meaningful work in a beautiful part of the world. I’m based by the Potarch Bridge - one of the most picturesque spots on the Dee.

For members