Our History

Scratch under the surface of this destination and Royal Deeside has rich and fascinating history. Naturally with such strong regal connections much of Royal Deeside’s past is closely connected to Queen Victoria who fell in love with the area and established a royal residence at Balmoral Castle in 1852. Many key buildings built within the towns and villages - Banchory, Aboyne, Ballater and Braemar - were built in the Victorian era. And Queen Victoria’s influence can also be seen on the Victorian Heritage trail – a tourist route taking in many Royal attractions - and at the old Royal Deeside railway station at Ballater.

However, the history of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms stretches much further back in time than the Royal Family. Close to Loch Kinord there is evidence of the ancient Stone Age and Pictish inhabitants and this valley played a key role in spreading the word of Christianity. The town of Banchory – the largest town in Royal Deeside – was originally named Banchory Ternan after a 5th century saint. And a ruined church which rests in Tullich has Pictish stones in its churchyard.

Culblean, on the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve, was the site of a bloody battle to retain Scottish independence, while clashes between the families Forbes and Gordons are clear to see at the ruins of nearby Knock Castle.

As well as the official historical accounts, there are mystical tales of folklore to unravel – visitors will find local hotels, restaurants and bars a good place to find out more about Deeside’s ghosts, witches curses.