The "home" of the Braemar Gathering otherwise known as the Highland Games and always held the first Saturday in September. The gathering has been held at Braemar since the days of King Malcolm Cranmore, nine hundred years ago.

Braemar is considered by some, at least on the east coast of Scotland, to be the beginning of the "Scottish highlands" . The games feature events such as "tossing the caber" (known to you or I as a tree trunk), an inter armed forces "tug of war" and "track events" (including a hill race) all to the accompaniment of pipers and dancers.

Braemar, surrounded by spectacular scenery whichever way you look, the approach from the south, as mentioned above, brings you through Glenshee which is a haven for those that like the sport of winter skiing.

The picture above is taken from the west side of the bridge under which flows the Clunie Water as shown in the picture on the left.

As you can see the water runs quite fast, even for mid summer, so you can imagine the "force" when the snow, on the mountain tops melts in the spring.

Continuing north, through Braemar, you will see the remains of Braemar Castle and subsequently come to the royal castle of Balmoral.

Still further on you will come to Aberdeen , the "granite" city. The decription clearly indicates the building material used for its grand houses.

The picture on the right shows only one of the magnificent views which can be seen from the road between Blairgowrie and Braemar where I often stop and where our dogs, over the years, have enjoyed a "dip" in the water even though it is pretty cold even in summer.