Banchory

Banchory sits in rural Aberdeenshire, Scotland, roughly 18 miles west of Aberdeen on the banks of the River Dee. It feels like the gateway to Royal Deeside, with wooded riverside walks and rolling farmland giving way to the foothills that lead towards the Cairngorms National Park.

Today it’s a friendly service town with local shops, schools and a steady commuter link to Aberdeen, but tourism and outdoor pursuits also matter: salmon-watching at the Bridge of Feugh, cycling and walks, plus easy visits to nearby estates and castles such as Crathes Castle and the Balmoral area. The place combines agricultural and small-business life with a calendar of local shows and community events.