Ballater is a picturesque village in the heart of Royal Deeside. Surrounded by the highland countryside of the Cairngorms National Park and situated on the banks of the famous salmon river, the River Dee. Ballater is aprox 40 miles (65 km) west of Aberdeen and 8 miles (13 km) from Balmoral Castle. Ballater is renowned for its royal connections and has many shops and businesses in and around royal Ballater displaying the Royal warrants of the Queen and Prince Charles.The village has its own community web site www.visitballater.com

Balmoral Castle a five start visitor attraction. Set amongst magnificent scenery, in the shadows of Lochnagar is the Balmoral Estate.  Loch Muick a few miles to the south of Ballater lies wild Loch Muick and the legendary mountain of "Dark Lochnagar" made famous by Lord Byron. Here you may well spot red deer, golden eagles and grouse on the 8 mile footpath around the loch. A must during a dry day. Ballater Highland Games are held annually on the second Thursday in August.  Royal Lochnagar Distillery still retains much of it's original charm. This distillery farm buildings have remained largely unchanged since the 1845, which gives a feeling of real character.

The Glen Lui offers good food and wine in relaxing surroundings. The Green Inn, is a multi award winning fine dining restaurant utilising fresh local ingredients to create modern Scottish dishes. The Alexandar Hotel is a comfortable family run hotel  with excellent meals. The Auld Kirk is the oldest church building in Ballater. Now it is a stylish restaurant with rooms where you can enjoy the finest fresh local produce served in a contemporary style. The Brown Sugar Cafe offers a touch of nostalgia and style, and a large helping of traditional hospitality !

The Ballater Walking Festival is held high in the hills to the east of the Cairngorms National Park in May. August is famous for Victoria Week,  the traditional Ballater Highland Games and the annual book fair. Don't miss the Ballater Bike Bash organised by the Cycle Highlands bike shop as well as the annual Lochnagar ascent in June. There are Brown- and Rainbow Trout fishing competitions on the six-acre loch at Tullich Fisheries all year round.

Rown Antiques, located in the church square in the middle of the village, they offer a large and diverse stock of antiques. The McEwens of Perth refurbished a store selling Scottish knitwear. Larks offers a changing selection of Scottish artwork from leading and emerging talents in painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, textiles, photography and jewellery design. H M Sheridan supply locals and holiday makers with top quality produce. Gows Delicatessen is a family run business with a reputation for good, friendly service and the highest quality produce.