Ballater
Ballater has been called "The Capital of Deeside". The village is surrounded by majestic hills, and sits on the banks of the River Dee. It is beautiful, and ideally placed within the Cairngorm National Park. Visitors enjoy a variety of outdoor sports including salmon fishing, golf, hill walking and cycling. Cornellan Cottage is situated 300 metres from Ballater's main square (pictured above.)
Ballater is probably most famous for its Royal connections. Originally "discovered" by Queen Victoria, to this day the Ballater area is a favourite with the British Royal family. Balmoral Castle, the Queen's Scottish holiday home, is only a few miles away. Prince Charles also has a home nearby.
The above photo is of Ballater Station. The railway now stops at Aberdeen, but the Railway Station has been converted to house an excellent restaurant, Tourist Information Office and exhibition.
Ballater boasts many Royal warrant holders among its shopkeepers. As you would expect, the goods and services available are of a high standard deserving of such recognition. The butcher and baker are particular favourites (try the local venison and the "famous" Balmoral Bread). Note the Royal crest above the sign in the picture. The village also has a bookshop, antiques shop, banks, chemist, churches (Church of Scotland, Episcopal, Catholic), a local supermarket, chocolate shop, clothes shops/boutiques, art shops, toy shop, petrol station, chip shop etc.
Ballater Golf Course is about five minutes walk from Cornellan Cottage, walking through the village or alongside the River Dee. The above picture is the view towards Ballater from the far side of the golf course, looking down the valley.