Balmoral

A morning on Deeside. First we went to Ballater and were sad to find that the old station had burned down last year and is all boarded up. Then walking down the Main Street we found that most of the shops were empty. This was due to the R Dee flooding in the New Year. Very sad but I know many blippers in Yorkshire and Cumbria will know what this is like. We saw lots of signs on the river itself of damage done including the castle the nearly washed away that was featured on the National  news. Huge boulders now being used to shore it up but it is still being lived in.

We spent the rest of the morning at Balmoral Castle. It was very interesting though the only part of the interior you can access is the ballroom. On arrival we were greeted by the sight of a red squirrel. Such a delight to see when we no longer get them at home.

We had a quick look at Crathie Church before heading over the foothills of the Cairngorms to the Aberdeenshire coast.

We are staying in Pennan. A beautiful little fishing community on the very edge of the sea and famous for the film ' Local Hero' which I love. (Yes the phone box is still here - if you know it)
It's a lovely evening and we have walked the short distance along the front and I've already taken lots of photos.

More tomorrow from this area I hope.