Braemar tourist information

Braemar is everyone's image of an ideal Scottish village. Nestled high within the Cairngorm mountains, this is a remote and beautiful place, and a real traditional Scottish community.

The village is a small but well-served place with traditional stone architecture to withstand the harsh mountain winters - it has twice recorded the lowest ever UK temperature of -27.2oC.

Braemar has many individual shops selling fine local produce such as salmon and whisky, as well as those selling tartans and gifts. There are also two large hotels, with bars open to the public for those who wish to sample the local malts. The River Clunie cascades as a mountain stream through the village within Glen Clunie.

Braemar has a tourist information centre.

Braemar is well-known for its Royal connections due to its proximity to Balmoral Castle. The world-famous Braemar Gathering and Highland Games are regularly attended by members of the Royal Family, who along with the thousands of ordinary visitors, can watch the pipe bands, highland dancing and traditional sports such as 'tossing the caber'.

The surrounding countryside is stunning and unspoilt with mountain views on every side. This is largely owned by the 4 great Highland estates of Invercauld, Balmoral, Mar and Mar Lodge. The latter are the heart of the recently-created Cairngorms National Park, where walkers and climbers have some of the best scentery in Scotland, and may well see hares, stags and golden eagles.