Braemar

Braemar is a village and civil parish in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, located in the eastern Highlands within the Cairngorms National Park. It sits at the foot of the Grampian mountain range and serves as a gateway to the surrounding glens and munros. The village developed around Braemar Castle and the Mar Estate, historic seats of the local clan leadership, and the castle remains a prominent landmark.

The area has a long association with Highland culture and outdoor traditions. The Braemar Gathering, held on the first Saturday in September, is one of Scotland’s best-known Highland games events, featuring traditional sports, piping, and clan participation. The event is organized by the Earls of Mar and attracts visitors from across the country. The nearby Balmoral Estate and royal connections have reinforced Braemar’s profile as a center for Highland heritage.

Braemar offers various amenities for residents and visitors, including churches, shops, and accommodation serving tourists exploring the surrounding landscape. Outdoor recreation is central to the local identity, with opportunities for hillwalking, trekking, and winter sports in the nearby hills and forests. The countryside around Braemar is known for its scenic drives, lochs, and glens that form part of the broader Cairngorms experience.

Transport to Braemar is primarily by road; the village is not served by a railway. The nearest regular rail services are in Aberdeen or Ballater, with bus connections linking Braemar to surrounding communities.