Ballater, Cairngorms National Park, Aberdeenshire, AB35

Having secured an allocation in the draft Local Development Plan, the Trustees are seeking a strategic land partner to secure planning consent which will lead to the eventual disposal of the site.

The site lies to the north east of Ballater approximately 0.5 miles from the town centre. The site is predominantly level and currently used for agricultural purposes.

Scotia Homes previously held an Option over the site on an agreement expiring on 24th November 2012. Access to the site can be taken to the north and discussions are being held with the Council over an additional access to the south.

Ballater is a picturesque Victorian village located 43 miles (69 km) west of Aberdeen and 8 miles (13 km) from Balmoral Castle. Set amidst some of the finest scenery in Scotland and classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ballater is rich in history and renowned for its connections to the Royal Family.

With a resident population of 1,460 (Scottish Consensus Data 2011) Ballater is the largest settlement in the Aberdeenshire part of the National Park, playing a strategic role in this part of Upper Deeside. Local attractions include Balmoral Castle, Royal Lochnagar Distillery and the Ballater 18 hole golf course.

In addition there is a wide variety of visitor activities in the Cairngorms National Park such as the Glenshee Ski Resort some 25 miles away.