The Queen visits Ballater
Published
The Queen visited Ballater to meet members of the local community whose homes and livelihoods were affected by flooding in the lead up to the New Year in 2016.
Around 600 homes and 100 businesses in the Aberdeenshire village of Ballater were devastated as the River Dee swept through following Storm Frank which caused widespread destruction across large parts of Scotland last winter.
The Queen's visit to Ballater began with a short walk along Bridge Street to see the efforts of local businesses through various stages of repair and rebuild. Her Majesty proceeded to the Glenmuick Church to speak with residential flood victims and members of the local community who have played a crucial role in the response to the crisis, including representatives from the Police, Fire Brigade, Rotary Club, Hall Committee, the Ballater Chiels and Aberdeenshire Council.
The next stop was to the Ballater Caravan Park to view the landscape which was heavily impacted by floodwaters, alongside a section of the site that was reopened in May.
At the end of the day Her Majesty arrived at the Ballater Golf Club for a short reception to celebrate its reopening. Throughout the visit, The Queen heard of the recovery that has been achieved by the local people through fortitude and resilience in the months that followed the floods.
The village of Ballater in Aberdeenshire is close to Balmoral Castle, the private residence of The Queen in Scotland.
Related content
A speech by The Queen to the Royal Regiment of Scotland, 2011
A fresh chapter has now opened with this presentation of new Colours to six of the seven battalions of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
An address by The Queen to the Scottish Parliament, 2011
Now, in its second decade, the Scottish Parliament is firmly established as an integral part of Scottish public life.
An address by The Queen to the Scottish Parliament, 2009
I have been struck by the spirit of engagement and innovation shown by the Members as you seek to fulfil your commitment to serve the people of Scotland.
A speech by The Queen at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
I know that the renewal of this famous and much-cherished landmark has been a long-held aspiration.
Opening of a new headquarters, Royal Bank of Scotland, 14 September 2005
The Bank was granted its Royal Charter 278 years ago and even a prudent bank needs to build a new headquarters once in a while.
Opening of the new Scottish Parliament building, Edinburgh, 9 October 2004
We meet in a remarkably open and transparent chamber, where this Parliament sits in the round in European fashion.
Scottish Parliament meeting on the Mound in Edinburgh, 3 June 2003
We see in this new Parliament, even after four short years, clear signs of a legislature that is distinctly Scottish.