
Lunch and a Wander in Ballater
The road west follows the River Dee closely now, with woodland and heather rising on either side. It’s about 35 minutes from Milton of Crathes to Ballater…

Work is under way to protect Prince Albert’s Pyramid on the Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire after rising visitor numbers caused significant ground erosion around the memorial.
Built in 1862 by Queen Victoria in tribute to Prince Albert, the granite cairn is the largest of several erected across Royal Deeside.
Balmoral Estate staff have confirmed the area surrounding the structure has become worn and unstable, prompting a programme of landscape restoration and stabilisation. The estate has asked visitors to take care and follow guidance while repairs continue, with the aim of preserving the site for future generations.
A Hidden Scotland guideAberdeenshireCastle country, a quiet dramatic coastRead the guide
The road west follows the River Dee closely now, with woodland and heather rising on either side. It’s about 35 minutes from Milton of Crathes to Ballater…

The sixth oldest golf club in the world, founded in 1780, playing the classic Balgownie links among the dunes north of the Don at Bridge of Don.

A little coffee shack on the harbour at Pennan, open from April to October for tea, coffee and homemade cakes, cash only, supporting the village.

A family-run ice cream, dessert and sweetie shop on Stonehaven's beachfront, known for its quirky style, loaded toppings and ice cream made with local produce.

A Victorian lodge on the Glen Dye estate, with a cabin of its own on the bank of the River Dye.

A granite house among silver birches, a short walk from the gates of Balmoral.

A stone steading cottage for seven, with a games room of its own across the yard.

A stone house for seven in a restored Victorian barn, with a hot tub down a woodland path.
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The season's ringing total, announced on 4 August, includes more than 1,000 Sandwich terns, over 100 Arctic terns, and smaller numbers of common terns and black-headed gulls.

Allardice Castle at Inverbervie has gone on the market for offers over £950,000.

Falls by Orry Shand opened at Bridge of Feugh near Banchory on 15 July.