Royal Deeside & The Cairngorms Ltd. work with over 85 partner businesses to promote tourism. The area we represent is described as the birthplace of Scottish Tourism and is a real hidden gem located within the fabulous north east corner of Scotland. With the iconic River Dee flowing from its source high up in the Cairngorm Mountains it passes through 85 miles of some of the world's most stunning scenery until it finally reaches the sea at Aberdeen.
The enclosed is just a selection of the many businesses we represent and work with. Included are their contact details and some information about them. If you require any more information, the individually featured businesses would be very happy to hear from you directly. Alternatively you can always contact us at the Royal Deeside office on +44 (0) 13398 87780 or by e-mail on info@discoverroyaldeeside.com and we will be delighted to help you.
Accommodation providers 3* Hotel - Banchory Lodge Hotel, Banchory
www.banchorylodge.com A beautiful Georgian mansion set amongst lush tree-lined gardens on the banks of the River Dee. Capacity – 22 bedrooms Contact – Amanda Aitken, Front of House Manager Banchory Lodge Hotel, Dee Street, Banchory, AB31 5HS Telephone - +44 (0) 1330 822625 E-mail -
5* B&B - Glendavan House, Ballater
amanda@banchorylodge.com
www.glendavanhouse.com 5* Bed and Breakfast offering luxurious accommodation in a relaxed and informal environment Capacity – 3 suites for up to 6 people. Contact – Rebecca Robertson, Manager Glendavan House, Dinnet, Aboyne, AB34 5LU Telephone - +44 (0) 13398 81610 E-mail – info@glendavanhouse.com
4* Self Catering - Glen Tanar Estate, Aboyne
www.glentanar.co.uk A diverse range of quality self catering cottages dotted around the Glen Tanar Estate surrounded by the glorious scenery of Royal Deeside Capacity – 7 cottages sleeping from 2 persons up to 11. Contact – Robyn McPherson, Sales Manager Brooks House, Glen Tanar, Aboyne, AB34 5EU Telephone – +44 (0)13398 86451 E-mail – robyn.mcpherson@glentanar.co.uk
Self-Catering - Harvey and Honey Cottages, Dinnet
www.glendavanhouse.com/selfcatering 2 comfortable and cosy self catering cottages located in the quiet village of Dinnet. Capacity – 2 cottages each sleeping up to 4 persons. Can be combined to sleep up to 8 Contact – Rebecca Robertson, Owner c/o Glendavan House, Dinnet, Aboyne, AB34 5LU Telephone – +44 (0) 13398 81610 E-mail – info@glendavanhouse.com
5* Hotel - The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen
www.marcliffe.com The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is a 5 star luxury hotel set in 11 acres of wooded grounds, designed as a restful, elegant refuge for both the business and leisure traveller. Capacity – 35 rooms and 7 suites Contact – Mandy Wood, Sales Manager North Deeside Road, Pitfodels, Aberdeen, AB19 9YA Telephone – +44 (0)1224 861000 E-mail – info@marcliffe.com
3* Hotel – The Loch Kinord Hotel, Dinnet
www.lochkinord.com A delightful country inn style Scottish hotel situated 5 miles from both Ballater and Aboyne Capacity – 19 rooms and 8 chalets eaxh sleeping up to 4 people Contact – Andrew Cox, Owner Ballater Road, Dinnet, Aboyne, AB34 5LW Telephone – +44 (0) 13398 85229 E-mail – stay@lochkinord.com
Hotel - Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar
www.fifearmsbraemar.com Situated on the banks of the Clunie Water, The Fife Arms Hotel is believed to have been built in the 19th Century by the Duke of Fife for use as a hunting lodge. Nowadays it makes the perfect base for large group travel Capacity – 84 rooms Contact – David Urquhart Travel Telephone – +44 (0) 845 7000400 E-mail – fifearms@harthotelslimited.co.uk
Self-Catering – 7, Cornellan Square, Ballater
www.propertylovie.co.uk Cornellan Square is a luxury three-bedroom riverfront property with two designated parking spaces, attractive courtyard, river views and located within 2 minutes walking distance of the village shops, bars and restaurants Capacity – Up to 6 people. Contact – Malcolm Lovie, Owner 7, Cornellan Square, Ballater, AB35 5PU Telephone – +44 (0) 7592 404041 E-mail – enquiries@propertylovie.co.uk
3* Hotel - Glen Lui Hotel, Ballater
www.glen-lui-hotel.co.uk Charming hotel set in 2 acres of woodland ground in the heart of Ballater, with wonderful views across the golf course to majestic Lochnagar in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. Capacity – 19 rooms Contact – Susan Bell, Owner 14, Invercauld Road, Ballater, AB35 5RP Telephone – +44 (0) 13397 55402 E-mail – infos@glen-lui-hotel.co.uk
Self-Catering - Mar Lodge, Braemar
www.nts.org.uk/Property/Mar-Lodge-Estate/ Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, Mar Lodge Estate to the west of Braemar covers 29,340 hectares of some of the most remote and scenic wild land in Scotland. Accommodation is provided in self catering apartments within the lodge. Capacity – A number of apartments and houses sleeping from 2 – 15 people Contact – Holiday Department, NTS Telephone – +44 (0) 844 4932108 E-mail – holidays@nts.org.uk
Self Catering - Castleton Cottage, Braemar
www.castletonbraemar.co.uk Enjoy the scenery and large range of outdoor activities of the Cairngorm National Park, from a home base of a fully equipped cottage situated in the highland village of Braemar Capacity – 2 adults and 2 children Contact – Sandra Stewart, Owner 2 School Road, Braemar, AB35 5ZS Telephone - +44 (0) 13397 41426 E-mail – bookings@castletonbraemar.co.uk
4* Self Catering - Cairnton Farm Cottages, Aboyne
www.cairntonfarmcottages.co.uk Cairnton Farm Cottages are 3 superbly finished self catering farm cottages set within the grounds of The Cairnton Aberdeen Angus beef farm on Royal Deeside, and with stunning views across the Dee Valley. The cottages are Visit Scotland 4 star rated self catering accommodation Capacity – 3 cottages sleeping from 4 up to 7 persons Contact – Cilla Wood, Sales Manger c/o Deeside Activity Park, Dess, Aboyne, AB34 5BD Telephone - +44 (0) 13398 83536 E-mail – info@deesideactivitypark.com
Restaurants The Cow Shed Restaurant, Banchory
www.cowshedrestaurantbanchory.co.uk The Cow Shed Restaurant opened in November 2010 and fulfilled the life long dream of Head Chef Graham Buchan. It introduces a brand new dining experience to the North East of Scotland with an exciting menu that reflects many years of training in some of Europe’s top Michelin starred kitchens. This brand new restaurant, which overlooks the Hill of Fayre , offers stunning, uninterrupted views out over the Banchory countryside. With an eye-catching wine cellar and a part open kitchen, the Cow Shed treats diners to the finest and freshest Scottish ingredients, all prepared and presented with delicate flair and passion. Contact – Joy Buchan, Owner Telephone - +44 (0)1330 820813 E-mail – info@cowshedrestaurant.co.uk
Banchory Lodge Hotel, Banchory
www.banchorylodge.co.uk From freshly landed scallops and Stornoway black pudding with garlicky oil and apples to blue cheese spinach and red onion Gallette, Banchory Lodge’s restaurant offers soul satisfying food, expertly created using the finest ingredients and local seasonal produce whenever it is available. Contact – Amanda Aitken, Front of House Manager Telephone - +44 (0) 1330 822625 E-mail -
The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen
amanda@banchorylodge.com
www.marcliffe.com Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a full dinner menu, the conservatory restaurant is the place to dine. Our extensive menu of the finest cuisine and the best of wines, served in relaxed, elegant surroundings, ensure a memorable experience for you. Our very experienced head waiter is always on hand to provide recommendations to help you make your choice Contact – Mandy Wood, Sales Manager Telephone – +44 (0)1224 861000 E-mail – info@marcliffe.com
The Loch Kinord Hotel, Dinnet
www.lochkinord.com As you might expect of a small hotel so blessed in its setting – fresh local produce is the particular speciality. Our extensive menus offer an interesting choice of traditional Scottish, and a few international favourites, chosen and carefully prepared by our skilled team of chefs. Our chefs prepare special dishes daily. Freshly cooked, uncomplicated cuisine, easy on the palate with local flavours always shining through. Contact – Andrew Cox, Owner Telephone – +44 (0) 13398 85229 E-mail – stay@lochkinord.com
The Fife Arms Hotel, Braemar
www.fifearmsbraemar.com Here, at the Fife Arms, we have been welcoming Groups for many years. Some come for rest, relaxation and to catch up with family and friends, others are keen to take advantage of the diverse range of pastimes and sporting activities available in the surrounding area. Whatever your preferences, if you are interested in organising a short break or holiday for a group of people, please get in touch. Contact – David Urquhart Travel Telephone – +44 (0) 845 7000400 E-mail – fifearms@harthotelslimited.co.uk
The Glen Lui Hotel, Ballater
www.glen-lui-hotel.co.uk The Lui Restaurant enjoys views over Ballater Golf Course and the Cairngorm mountain range. Evening diners will enjoy the warm ambiance and there are always Red Squirrels visible at breakfast time. Our menu dishes are prepared to order using as much fresh local ingredients as possible. Contact – Susan Bell, Owner Telephone – +44 (0) 13397 55402 E-mail – infos@glen-lui-hotel.co.uk
Attractions National Trust for Scotland, Properties throughout Deeside
www.nts.org.uk
We are so fortunate in Royal Deeside to have 3 of the National Trust for Scotland’s most famous castles along the Valley. Drum, Crathes and Craigievar Castles are all quite different and each make for a fabulous day out. Craigievar Castle, Alford, AB33 8JF Crathes Castle, Banchory, AB31 5QJ Drum Castle, Drumoak, Banchory, AB31 5EY
+44 (0) 844 4932174 +44 (0)844 4932166 +44 (0)1330 811204
E-mail – idurno@nts.org.uk
Braemar Castle, Braemar
www.braemarcastle.co.uk Built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar and owned for the past 250 years by the Farquharsons of Invercauld, the castle is now maintained by volunteers and displays furniture and personal memorabilia of the Farquharson family. Hear stories of the colourful characters associated with the castle, find out how Clan Farquharson began and discover the part played by Braemar Castle in the story of Scotland Braemar Castle, Braemar, AB35 5XR Telephone - +44 (0) 13397 412 19 Email - info@braemarcastle.co.uk
Balmoral Castle , near Ballater
www.balmoralcastle.com Set amongst the magnificent scenery of Royal Deeside, in the shadows of Lochnagar is the Balmoral Estate, The Scottish home of the British Royal Family. In her journals Queen Victoria described Balmoral as "my dear paradise in the Highlands" - we hope you will feel the same way about Balmoral once you have visited this most special place. Contact - Garry Marsden, Visitor Services Manager The Estates Office, Balmoral Estates, Ballater, AB35 5TB Telephone - +44 (0) 13397 42534 E-mail – garry.marsden@balmoralcastle.com
Butterworth Gallery, near Banchory
www.butterworthpaintings.co.uk This bright, spacious and airy gallery hosts a continuous display of new original paintings alongside the complete range of publications by the family-run business Butterworth Studios Ltd. Limited edition giclees and lithographic prints, both framed and unframed, are all available alongside a large selection of greeting cards. Many of these images are also now available as collectors’ wooden jigsaws and coasters. A surprising mix of traditional and contemporary, the gallery is run by Howard's eldest daughter Sarah and a warm and friendly welcome always awaits it's customers. With advance notice it is possible to arrange for either artist to be at the gallery to make the visit an even more memorable one . Contact - Sarah Harker, Owner Ballogie Shop, Aboyne, AB34 5DP Telephone - +44 (0) 13398 86104. E-mail – sarah@butterworthpaintings.co.uk
Royal Lochnagar Distillery, near Ballater
www.discovering-distilleries.com/royallochnagar This is an historic and fascinating distillery in the heart of Royal Deeside at Crathie and very close to Balmoral Castle. Guided Tours are available - open after the holidays from January 5th. Please check the website for detailed times. Contact - Stewart Adamson – Manager Crathie, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TB Telephone - +44 (0)13397 42733 E-mail – royal.lochnagar.distillery@diageo.com
Activities Braemar Highland Safaris, Braemar
www.braemarhighlandsafaris.co.uk ½ day Landover tours through breathtaking scenery in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Capacity – 2 vehicles seating 7 people in each Contact – Neil Bain, Owner North View, Hillside Road, Braemar, AB35 5YU Telephone– +44 (0) 13397 41420 E-mail – neil@braemarhighlandsafaris.co.uk
Deeside Activity Park, Aboyne
www.deesideactivitypark.com The premier Outdoor Activities and Corporate Event & Teambuilding venue in the North East of Scotland. Activities include - Kart Racing, Quad Trekking, 4x4 Off Road Driving, Opposite Steer Land Rover, Archery, Rifle Shooting, Axe Throwing, Clay Shooting, Digger manoevres and more... we can tailor make to fit in with your team dynamics Contact – Cilla Wood, Sales Manager Dess, Aboyne, AB34 5BD Telephone – +44 (0) 13398 83536 E-mail – sales@deesideactivitypark.com
Glen Tanar Equestrian Centre, Aboyne
www.glentanarriding.com Set in a peaceful location of outstanding natural beauty in the Cairngorms National Park, Glentanar Equestrian Centre offers safe, quality riding along riverside, woodland and mountain trails. Contact – Jacqueline Riley, Owner Glen Tanar, Aboyne, AB34 5EU Telephone – +44 (0) 13398 86448 E-mail – gtec@talk21.com
Balmoral Castle , near Ballater
www.balmoralcastle.com Activities at Balmoral – Balmoral is a wonderful venue for a day out and during the open season you will find lots of activities to participate in. Each year the Ranger Service offer a number of guided walks and luxury land rover safaris. Some of these will allow you to view examples of Scottish Wildlife in their natural surroundings. We can also offer guided tours to suit your requirements. You can participate in a guided tour around the grounds, gardens and exhibitions or for the more energetic groups a tour around the monuments and cairns situated within the grounds. Contact - Garry Marsden, Visitor Services Manager The Estates Office, Balmoral Estates, Ballater, AB35 5TB Telephone - +44 (0) 13397 42534 E-mail – garry.marsden@balmoralcastle.com
Walk Deeside, throughout Deeside
www.walkdeeside.com WalkDeeside is the leading supplier of bespoke guided walking holidays and outdoor safaris in Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. Operating for over ten years, the family-run company offers a wealth of experience and local knowledge from a team of qualified guides, enabling visitors to fully appreciate the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage. As Gold Award winners of the Green Tourism Business Scheme, we are committed to developing sustainable tourism in this area of outstanding natural beauty, preserving its status as an authentic Scottish destination. All levels of ambition, fitness and aspiration are catered for. Contact –Alan Melrose, Owner Telephone - +44 (0)13398 80081 E-mail - alan@walkdeeside.com
Deeside Gliding Club, DInnet
www.deesideglidingclub.co.uk Gliding has taken place at Aboyne Airfield for over 50 years and is renowned as one of Europe’s premier soaring sites. Its location on the edge of the Cairngorm and Grampian mountain ranges enables glider pilots to exploit a phenomenon called ‘wave’ – caused by the wind flowing over the mountains and creating ripples in the sky. We offer trial lessons through our website or direct from the airfield, operating 7 days a week from May October, with weekend only operation throughout the winter months. If you have the motivation to fly, we will get you airborne. Contact - Deeside Gliding Club, Aboyne Airfield, Dinnet, Aboyne, AB34 5LB. Telephone - +44 (0) 13398 85339 E-mail - office@deesideglidingclub.co.uk
Cycle Highlands , throughout Deeside
www.cyclehighlands.com Cyclehighlands are based in Ballater and specialise in bike rental, guiding and corporate events from the biggest bike shop in Aberdeenshire. The shop is an official demo centre for many leading brands and during the winter months we open our ski and board hire in Braemar. All our staff are qualified mountain bike guides and members of the local mountain bike club so trail and route advice is always available and we can now offer a bike shuttle service to the Lecht. From family cyclist to expert on road or mountain, discover some of Scotland’s best cycling! Contact – Richard Watts, Owner The Pavilion Victoria Road, Ballater, AB35 5QQ Telephone - +44 (0) 13397 55864 Email - info@cyclehighlands.com Photo property of Andy McCandlish
Ballater Golf Club, Ballater
www.ballatergolfclub.co.uk Ballater Golf Club was founded in 1892, originally as a nine hole course, on land owned by the laird of Invercauld. When farmland became available in 1905, the course was expanded to eighteen holes. Picture a corner of Scotland with a delightful warmth of welcome, together with breathtaking scenery and an interesting and challenging golf course and you've discovered Ballater. Contact - Colin Smith, Club Secretary Victoria Road, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5QX Telephone - +44 (0) 13397 55567 E-mail – sec@ballatergolfclub.co.uk
Scotsport Travel, Torphins
www.scotsportuk.com For more than 28 years Scotsport has been providing quality hunting, shooting and stalking packages to Scotland. Our local expertise enables us to provide hunting on many of the finest sporting estates and forests in the UK. From our offices at Learney House, Torphins, set in the heart of magnificent Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire, we are in regular and close contact with the estates we have been co-operating with for many years. Contact – Alf Sorensen, Owner Learney House, Torphins, AB31 4NB Telephone - +44 (0)13398 89290 E-mail – info@scotsportuk.com
Glen Tanar Estate, Aboyne
www.glentanar.co.uk For the outdoor enthusiast there are an extensive range of exciting and adventurous activities to fill you visit, and all with the magnificent backdrop of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms National Park. Glen Tanar itself provides an excellent choice of outdoor activities as diverse as salmon fishing, walking, mountain biking, horse riding and traditional sporting activities. This year our new Wildlife Watch activities are also being introduced where you'll be able to watch Badgers, go on Black Grouse Safaris, and see the spectacle of the Red Deer Rutting season, while experienced wildlife photographers may be able to photograph Golden Eagles and other birds. Contact – Robyn McPherson, Sales Manager Brooks House, Glen Tanar, Aboyne, AB34 5EU Telephone – +44 (0)13398 86451 E-mail – robyn.mcpherson@glentanar.co.uk
Events The Enchanted Castle, Banchory
www.theenchantedcastle.info SEE CRATHES CASTLE IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT FOR FIVE DAYS ONLY Experience an evening adventure the sights and sounds of the woods as never before as Scotland’s leading sound and light artists take you on an all new night time journey in and around Crathes Castle's wooded paths. The Enchanted Castle will take place from the 20-24th of November 2013 Tickets can be purchased in advance only from Aberdeen Box Office, Union Street, Aberdeen. Tel 01224 641122 or www.boxofficeaberdeen.com For more information contact – Gerry Muldoon, GM Events E-mail –gerry.muldoon@btinternet.com
Tour Operators and Organisers DeeTours Ltd, throughout Deeside
www.deetour.co.uk Photography courtesy of Martin Parker We create tailor made packages and bespoke tours & events in and around beautiful Royal Deeside. Working with our clients we help them experience the magic of this amazing area. Capacity – Various sized groups. Contact us for more details. Contact – Moira Gash & Sarah Harker c/o 15 Battock Terrace, Torphins, Aberdeenshire, AB31 4JD Telephone - Moira +44 (0)7790 332437 or Sarah +44 (0)7825 332225 Email moira@deetour.co.uk sarah@deetour.co.uk
Golfers Scotland, throughout Deeside
www.golfersscotland.com Golfers Scotland is an independent Scottish based company with over 25 years experience in organising and arranging corporate golf days and events, golf holiday itineraries and golf tuition for discerning golfers throughout Scotland and worldwide. Scotland is one of the premier golf locations in the world and our base in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire means we have access to some of the best golfing centres around. We know that what we can provide for your corporate day or golfing vacation is a unique package of the highest quality which we would naturally always be delighted to endorse with our own reputation. Contact – Hector Emslie, Managing Director Telephone - +44 (0) 1330 822 226 E-mail – hector@GolfersScotland.com