Braemar is probably one of the most famous Scottish places thanks to the Royal Family who have kept the tradition of staying at the Castle of Balmoral when in Scotland.
Braemar itself was the site of the raising of the Jacobite Standard at the first Rebellion in the year 1715. This all ended in failure but the hopes lingered on until the Standard was again raised at Glenfinnan in 1745 only to be crushed for ever some eight months later at a place called Culloden.

The village is now a huge tourist attraction not just because of the ' Royalty ' factor, but also for the wonderful Highland Games held there each year.
The area is known as the ' Gateway ' to the Cairngorm Mountains and is renowned for its seasonal beauty.

The Cluny water on which Braemar sits joins the Dee to flow on through Balmoral and on to Aberdeen. The river is noted for its fish. The further north one heads, hillwalkers are quickly overtaken by mountaineers and ' in season ' ski fanatics, for we are now into Scotland's ski country which is rapidly expanding into one of Scotland's major attractions.

Nearby Balmoral Castle is the private home of the Royal Family and the little village of Crathie with it's church is the spiritual home of that same Royalty whilst in Scotland. Needless to say that this is a must for a visit.

Legend has it that as Macbeth headed north, so Malcolm Canmore cut through the pass to Braemar to try to close the gap between the two forces. He regrouped and rested his men there before moving on Lumphanan where he knew Macbeth had stopped.

After his defeat of Macbeth at Lumphanan he returned to Braemar where the victorious army held games to celebrate the occasion. These games are said to be the distant origin of our modern Highland Games.

This extra information was kindly supplied by local historian Mike Franklin of Callater Lodge.

Eating out is not a problem with many establishments in and around the district serving good fayre at reasonable cost
.
Hotels, Guesthouses, Caravan and Camping facilities are available.

Travel is by bus, coach or car.
For the tourists from abroad the nearest airports are Aberdeen with a connection to Braemar by bus or coach, Glasgow and Edinburgh both have connections to Aberdeen by air, rail, bus or coach or direct to Braemar by bus or coach.

Comments or photos to improve this page most welcome.

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