Braemar

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 Highland, Scenic, Traditional

Braemar, nestled deep in the Cairngorms National Park, is a village that epitomises the romance and majesty of the Scottish Highlands. Known worldwide for the Braemar Gathering, one of Scotland’s most famous Highland Games attended regularly by members of the Royal Family, the village has become a symbol of tradition, community spirit, and Highland culture. For event organisers, Braemar offers an extraordinary setting where history, nature, and Scottish identity converge, providing an unforgettable atmosphere for gatherings ranging from corporate retreats to weddings and cultural celebrations.

A highlight of Braemar’s event landscape is the Braemar Highland Games Centre, which serves not only as the home of the Games but also as an adaptable event space year-round. Its facilities include exhibition areas, meeting rooms, and community halls that can be hired for cultural events, receptions, and business meetings. Hosting an event here brings an immediate connection to Scotland’s heritage, with the unique prestige of being associated with the Highland Games.

For more intimate or exclusive gatherings, Braemar is surrounded by luxury accommodation and historic venues. Fife Arms Hotel, a stunning Victorian coaching inn transformed into an art-filled five-star retreat, has rapidly become a world-class destination in its own right. Its function rooms, lavish interiors, and curated art collection create a memorable backdrop for executive retreats, weddings, and private events. Smaller guesthouses and lodges within the village and the Cairngorms provide options for workshops, wellness retreats, and incentive programmes focused on nature and relaxation.

The village’s royal connections add to its appeal. Nearby Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the Royal Family, offers seasonal access and has been associated with state occasions and private royal events. While the castle itself is not a conventional hire venue, its grounds and prestige enrich the region’s allure as a destination steeped in significance.

Braemar’s location within the Cairngorms makes it an ideal base for events that incorporate outdoor pursuits. Delegates and guests can combine formal gatherings with activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and wildlife watching. In winter, the nearby Glenshee Ski Centre provides opportunities for snow sports and alpine-style retreats. These natural assets make Braemar especially suited for incentive trips or team-building programmes that value the restorative power of Scotland’s landscapes.

Accessibility is practical, with Aberdeen Airport just over an hour and a half away by road, offering international connections. While Braemar feels remote and tranquil, it remains close enough to the North East’s transport infrastructure to be viable for both domestic and international organisers.

Braemar’s charm lies in its fusion of tradition and exclusivity. It embodies Highland Scotland’s most cherished qualities – a proud heritage, dramatic scenery, and warm hospitality – while also offering high-quality facilities through venues like the Fife Arms and the Highland Games Centre. For cultural festivals, intimate corporate retreats, wellness workshops, or exclusive weddings, Braemar provides an unparalleled setting where every event resonates with authenticity and grandeur.