Destination Aberdeenshire

Stay, eat and shop in Aberdeenshire

BRAEMAR CASTLE

Discover 400 years of Highland history in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. This fairytale castle celebrates 10 years of community operation. Enjoy events, exhibitions and see the world’s largest Cairngorm gemstone. A warm welcome awaits. Braemar Castle has 12 furnished rooms, guided tours, and audio tours in English, French and German. Tel: 01339 741219, www.braemarcastle.co.uk

PARKHILL GARDEN CENTRE & COFFEE SHOP

Increasingly popular year on year, Parkhill Garden Centre & Coffee Shop has been a family business since 1974. The garden centre is a stockist of top quality Clover Compost and supplies 64 different varieties of seed potatoes. Friendly staff are always on hand to offer advice. A visit to Parkhill would not be complete without a stop at the coffee shop where a warm welcome awaits. Open seven days per week. Tel: 01224 722167, www.parkhillgardencentre.com

ROARING STAG COFFEE

Based in Ballater in Royal Deeside, Roaring Stag Coffee is a new business that started in 2016. Purchasing their green beans from traders, the company roast and blend the beans to order, selling them to shops, restaurants and wholesalers. Roaring Stag Coffee is also open to the public for anyone to buy a bag and enjoy the beans’ freshly roasted flavour. Tel: 01339 756200, www.roaringstagcoffee.com

SCOTLAND’S RURAL COLLEGE

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) based in Aberdeen on the Craibstone Estate offers a wide variety of practical and vocational courses for those looking to pursue a career in the great outdoors. Courses are available at various academic levels in countryside and environmental management, rural business management, agriculture, animal care and veterinary nursing. Tel: 01224 711189, www.sruc.ac.uk

MELDRUM HOUSE COUNTRY HOTEL

Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Course is nestled within a 240-acre estate in stunning Aberdeenshire countryside. Steeped in history, the four-star, 13th century baronial country house guarantees unrivalled luxury. Last year 28 stunning new bedrooms were added. With two Red Rosettes for its restaurant and a challenging parkland 18-hole golf course, it’s the perfect weekend retreat. Tel: 01651 872294, www.meldrumhouse.com

GIBBS OF INVERURIE

Gibbs of Inverurie is a menswear store with a very relaxing, friendly feel about it. They offer gents an array of high-end menswear brands as well as a Highland-wear department for that special occasion. Gibbs also have their semi-bespoke tailoring service for a more personal touch. Tel: 01467 624198, www.gibbsmenswear.co.uk

ELSICK HOUSE

This exclusive-use venue five miles south of Aberdeen lets guests enjoy 17 acres of stunning grounds, affording complete privacy. With ten individually decorated bedrooms, the house is ideal for both short breaks and celebrations. Elsick House offers three light reception rooms available for a reception for up to 60 people, while larger celebrations can take place in a marquee ideally situated on an elevated site within the walled garden. Elsick House is complete with a spectacular outlook over a rose arbour and herbaceous beds. Tel: 01569 731310, www.elsick.co.uk

MOONFISH CAFE

Established in 2004, the award-winning Moonfish Cafe is located in the medieval streets of Aberdeen’s Merchant Quarter, with views of the 12th century Kirk of St. Nicholas. Innovative British cuisine is served on a focused lunch and dinner menu, using only the finest seasonal Scottish produce. An extensive gin selection is available as well as a stunning natural and organic wine list, all to be enjoyed in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. Bookings are a must. Tel: 01224 644166, www.moonfishcafe.co.uk

ATHOLL HOTEL

If you are looking for a hotel with a cosy, home-from-home feel and a traditional dining experience then the Atholl Hotel is a must. A favourite amongst locals, the the hotel provides quality accommodation for those looking to discover the area’s attractions, including the various golf courses, castles, and the Cairngorms National Park. With the gateways to Donside and Royal Deeside on your doorstep, exploring Aberdeenshire could not be easier. Tel: 01224 323505, www.atholl-aberdeen.co.uk

MCGOWANS JEWELLERS

Established in 1895, McGowans are known as one of the most reputable family jewellers in Scotland. They are Aberdeen’s second-hand and antique specialists and offer an extensive selection of handmade diamond jewellery. Their own highly skilled workshop offers a full range of services. Tel: 01224 467650, www.mcgowansjewellers.com

RAEMOIR HOUSE HOTEL

Raemoir House is a mullti-award-winning four-star Georgian house hotel that has been crowned Scotland’s Country House Hotel of the Year four years running in the Scottish Hotel Awards. Despite being in close proximity to busy Aberdeen, the hotel enjoys a tranquil location that is also close to the Cairngorms, the gateway to Royal Deeside, and the whisky, golf and castle trails. Raemoir House Hotel really is the ideal base for exploring Aberdeenshire. Tel: 01330 824884, www.raemoir.com

JAMIESON & CARRY

Jamieson & Carry is an independent, family-owned jewellers. Located on Union Street in the heart of Aberdeen, they are pleased to offer a range of fine jewellery, Swiss watches and luxury gifts, including leading brands Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, Roberto Coin and a fabulous collection of diamond rings and jewellery. Tel: 01224 641219, www.jamieson-carry.com

CASTLETON FARM SHOP

Just off the A90, a warm welcome awaits you. The farm shop shelves are packed with local produce and an array of Castleton homemade delights. In season the real treat is Castleton’s freshly picked berries. In the café enjoy a light snack or choose from the daily specials for a delicious homemade lunch. Tel: 01561 321155, www.castletonfarmshop.co.uk

BANCHORY LODGE HOTEL

Banchory Lodge is a trendy and vibrant 28-bedroom hotel with a quirky interior in the heart of Royal Deeside. With its stunning setting on the River Dee, the award-winning restaurant champions local suppliers. The bar and outside terrace is a place for chilling out with a glass of wine, cocktails, a craft beer or simply watching the sun set. Tel: 01330 822625, www.banchorylodge.com

THE SHIP INN

Built in 1771, the historic Ship Inn is situated at the edge of Stonehaven’s picturesque harbour. A choice of excellent food is served in the panoramic restaurant, while real ales and over 100 malt whiskies can be tasted either at the newly refurbished bar or on the open terrace. Tel: 01569 762617, www.shipinnstonehaven.com

BRAEMAR LODGE HOTEL

Tucked away in the Highlands, Braemar Lodge is a peaceful stay that is easily accessible by road from all Scotland’s cities. With a choice of lodges, bunk houses and log cabins on offer, the lodge also benefits from its restaurant, which is headed up by an award-winning chef and makes use of the best local produce. Braemar Lodge is a hidden nook that is perfect for those looking for a peaceful stay. Tel: 01339 741627, www.braemarlodge.co.uk

THE COO HOOSE

Providing a warm and peaceful atmosphere, The Coo Hoose in Aboyne is a place guests return again and again. Sleeping up to four people, the self-catering Highland retreat is equipped with underfloor heating, a wood burning stove and a scenic garden filled with wildlife. The Coo Hoose offers the perfect location for exploring Royal Deeside and beyond, while the newly renovated holiday home in Braemar is ideal for discovering the Cairngorms National Park. This will be available late spring or early summer, with more details available on the webiste. Tel: 07500 832545, www.thecoohoose.co.uk

TOR-NA-COILLE HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Secluded in acres of magnificent woodland and parkland on the edge of the pretty village of Banchory in Royal Deeside, Tor-na-Coille is a privately owned Victorian house offering 25 luxurious and individually styled rooms. Indulge in contemporary and classic dishes in the restaurant which showcases the area’s finest produce or enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge. Tor-Na-Coille will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Tel: 01330 822242, www.tornacoille.com

THE TOLBOOTH SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Situated on the harbour wall at Stonehaven, The Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant serves the finest local fish and seafood – much of it caught by local fishermen and delivered daily to the restaurant door. They are well-known for their langoustine, lobster, crab and scallops. Enjoy a set lunch or an à la carte dinner in one of Stonehaven’s finest restaurants. Tel: 01569 762287, www.tolbooth-restaurant.co.uk

KILDRUMMY INN

Located in rural Alford, the Kildrummy Inn offers four newly refurbished ensuite bedrooms with views across the peaceful Aberdeenshire countryside. Sit back, relax and enjoy a menu of high quality, seasonal dishes prepared by Kildrummy’s award-winning chef in the restaurant. Kildrummy Inn has been awarded two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence. Tel: 01975 571227, www.kildrummyinn.co.uk

SKENE HOUSE

Skene House is always accommodating. Firstly, there’s the accommodation itself. They don’t just give you a room, they give you a whole apartment complete with a separate living room and fully-equipped kitchen. Then there’s the staff – always on hand to help you get the most out of everything Aberdeen has to offer. There are three city centre Skene House properties, and you’ll find them all online. Tel: 01224 659392, www.skene-house.co.uk

CATWALKERS

CatWalkers is a fashion boutique situated in the centre of Ellon. They care about how you look and feel in your clothes and the accessories that you choose, which is why they are committed to providing not only top quality fashion, but top quality advice and service. They stock a wide range of sizes (10-26) and like to reward their customers by offering in-store fashion shows and promotional events. Tel: 01358 720341, www.cat-walkers.com

DONALD RUSSELL

No meat is more tender or delicious than that from Donald Russell, Royal Warrant holder and Britain’s leading mail order and online butcher. The Aberdeenshire company use timehonoured methods to guarantee the best produce, including grass-fed, fully matured beef and game, you’ll ever taste. Tel: 01467 629666, www.donaldrussell.com

THE MARCLIFFE HOTEL

In extensive grounds which are conveniently close to the city centre, The Marcliffe Hotel offers everything the discerning traveller could wish for. Whether your visit is for business or pleasure, you will find a haven of warmth and tranquillity in Aberdeen’s only five-star hotel. The Marcliffe strives to provide the best of the best – surely you deserve nothing less. Tel: 01224 861000, www.marcliffe.com