The Small Town of Ballater, Aberdeenshire

The small town of Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland is regarded as an attractive tourist spot. Classed in the Scots system as a burgh, it currently enjoys a population of around 1,500 people. It occupies a scenic spot just to the east of the Cairngorm Mountains, which makes it a good jumping-off point for hikers and day walkers. The spring at Ballater at one time was thought to possess waters that had curative properties.

Sitting on the banks of the River Dee, the town grew up much the same as many towns which lay beside old pathways. Due to the nature of transportation several centuries ago, a solidly-defined road or path determined the placement of towns and other settlements in the middle ages in Scotland. Ballater itself can trace its history back to the 14th century and the Knights of Saint John. It wasn’t until around 1770, though, that it began to grow.

The reason for the growth mainly revolved around the presence of the spring in the town, which was believed to be healthful. This transformed Ballater into a spa resort. From there, it continued its growth into the Victorian era, which is the time from when many of its present-day buildings can trace their origins. The town is noted, also, for being near to Balmoral Castle, the current British royal family’s vacation home.

Ballater is also appreciated for its many walking and hiking trails. It features paths and terrain suitable for most any skill level of hiker, from novice to very experienced. Because of its close proximity to the Cairngorm Mountains, the town has become a prime jumping-off point for such pleasures.

The town itself sits within the unitary council area of Aberdeenshire. This area is known for its prehistoric and historic natural history. There are also several interesting sites of archeological interest, including Longman Hill and Cairn Lee in and around Ballater. Currently, about one-quarter million people currently call this part of Scotland home. Because of the sparseness of its population, Aberdeenshire is a prime rural touring region. Both the town and the unitary council area offer a wide range of sightseeing opportunities.