Click on a photo or link below
to discover more about Deeside's local
history:
The magnificent Dee rises at Braeriach, high in the Cairngorms, and runs 90 miles east to Aberdeen and the sea. In the shadow of Lochnagar lies the royal family’s summer residence and as a result the area is often referred to as "Royal Deeside".
The area is rich in wildlife and sport, and near the banks of the river lie some of the best tourist attractions in Scotland. Vying with "the gateway to Deeside" (Stonehaven), the self-proclaimed "alternative gateway to Deeside" is Banchory. See them both, and decide yourself!
The Dee spills into the sea at Fittie (Footdee) in Aberdeen, but we will work our way from east to west here, meandering from Drumoak up the river valley into the mountains. The main A93 road and disused railway line follow the same route to the Cairngorms National Park, which was established in 2003. As Britain’s largest National Park it includes artic mountain landscape, forests and glens.
DRUMOAK, CRATHES AND THE DEESIDE RAILWAY The original area now known as Drumoak was originally called Dalmaik, taken from the holy well and church of St Maik. The present church was built in 1836 to the design of the Aberdeen architect Alexander Simpson. North of Drumoak lies the 12th Century Drum Castle, once a royal residence and...
BANCHORY The first main town on Royal Deeside - only 30 minutes by car from Aberdeen - is Banchory. The Water of Feugh joins the River Dee at Banchory and the Bridge of Feugh is a great place to watch for salmon. The modern town dates from the late...
KINCARDINE O'NEIL, LUMPHANAN, TORPHINS AND ABOYNE Kincardine O'Neil is the oldest village in Deeside. St Erchard established a church there in the 5th century. A well was later erected in his honour at the edge of the village. It is said that in 1057 Malcolm Canmore, rested with Macduff and some followers...
BALLATER, BALMORAL, CRATHIE AND BRAEMAR The Rivers Muick and Gairn join the Dee at Ballater. Ballater is famous for the Pannanich Wells said to cure arthritis amongst other ailments. The railway reached Ballater in 1866, and served the town for about 100 years. For many years the Royal Family used the line, but it was never extended...
