5 Aberdeenshire towns and villages nominated as most beautiful in Scotland
13 July 2018
Five towns and villages in Aberdeenshire have been nominated for Scotland’s Most Beautiful Town or Village by Hidden Scotland. Hidden Scotland asked their followers to nominate the most charming and picturesque towns and villages in Scotland and amongst the 35 shortlisted, five from Aberdeenhsire were nominated. Let’s delve into the finalists and see who gets your vote for the most beautiful town or village in Scotland.
Ballater
Nestled in the heart of Royal Deeside and in the Cairngorms National Park, lies the Victorian village of Ballater. This picturesque village is popular with visitors and locals alike due to it’s Royal connections (find Balmoral Castle here), idyllic surroundings and the abundance of outdoor activities available.
Ballater is known as ‘Royal Warrant’ village due to the amount of Royal Warrants awarded to local businesses by members of the Royal Family in recognition of their high standards. Does it hold a special place in your heart too? Click here to vote for Ballater as the Most Beautiful Town or Village in Scotland now.
Braemar
Less than 30 minutes drive from Ballater, you will find Braemar encircled by mountains, valleys and woodlands. Braemar is one of the most popular visitor spots in the Royal Deeside. Similar to Ballater, Braemar enjoys the best of both worlds with a bustling village and activities for those seeking adventure.
Braemar has its own Royal connections – it plays host to the annual Braemar Gathering; one of the most prestigious and renowned Highland Games in the world which is a firm favourite of the British Royal Family who attend the games each year since Queen Victoria first attended in 1844 (the Games are held on the first Saturday of September every year). The village also has it’s own castle, Braemar Castle, and is just a stones throw from Glenshee Ski Centre. Click here to vote for Braemar as the Most Beautiful Town or Village in Scotland now.
Crovie
It’s no surprise that Crovie was amongst the nominations. This enchanting village doesn’t just bewitch visitors with it’s inviting look it also transports them back in time. Built into the nooks and cranny’s of the cliff face you will find no shops, no phone signal and no roads in Crovie.
Crovie is said to be the best preserved fishing village in Europe but does it hold the trophy as the Most Beautiful Town or Village in Scotland? Click here to cast your vote for Crovie.
Pennan
Only four miles along the Banffshire coastline from Crovie you’ll find Pennan, a perfectly placed peaceful haven. The village is made up of a single line of houses and quaint harbour which is a great spot for wildlife spotting. Pennan featured on the big screen in the 1983 blockbuster Local Hero and the 2017 remake of Whisky Galore!
Is Pennan immortalised in your heart as it is on the big screen? Click here to cast your vote for Pennan as the Most Beautiful Town or Village in Scotland.
Stonehaven
On the other side of the Aberdeenshire coastline you will find the beautiful – breath-taking and unforgettable, Stonehaven. A visitor attraction in it’s own right and a popular jaunt for many. Stonehaven allows the perfect opportunity to sit back and relax– with an Aunty Betty’s ice cream or award-winning Bay Fish & Chips in hand, to really enjoy the views.
One of Stonehaven’s most notable landmarks is the iconic, Dunnottar Castle – a dramatic ruined cliff top fortress that was the home to the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Does Stonehaven hold the same power over you and take home the gold as the Most Beautiful Town or Village in Scotland? Have your say by casting your vote here to vote for Stonehaven.
The winner of the Most Beautiful Town or Village in Scotland will be announced on 10 August 2018 so don’t forget to cast your vote and have your say.
Check out Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s other beautiful towns and villages here.
All information is correct at the time of publishing, we recommend that you check opening times and information for individual places before visiting.