A town in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, lying approximately 20 miles west of Aberdeen and adjacent to the magnificent River Dee. It is thought that Banchory dates back to the 5th century when St. Ternan, a monk, sought sanctuary among the native Picts, whom he later converted to Christianity. The largest town in the area, it is in close proximity to two famous castles – Crathes and Drum, both of which are managed by the National Trust for Scotland.
The town of Banchory was to grow significantly in the late 1700's and by the next century had consolidated its position. With the advent of the railway in 1853 came an influx of hotels and other businesses. Although the railway was closed in 1966 there are plans to re-open it as a tourist venture basing it on the original station that was rebuilt in 1903.
On Christmas Eve in 1890 Dr David Lawson from Banchory opened the Nordrach-on-Dee sanatorium with accommodation for 40 patients. The building was designed along similar lines to the German sanatorium and was constructed of timber from the Black Forest in Germany and local granite from the Hill of Fare. It soon gained a good reputation for the treatment of tuberculosis and accommodation was increased. The great climate of Banchory was thought to be the perfect cure for tuberculosis due to the large amount of sunshine the area receives. Banchory is the setting of "Sanatorium" a short story written by Somerset Maugham where he himself was a patient at the sanatorium, now the Glen O’Dee Hospital.
Banchory Golf Club, founded in 1905 and where Paul Laurie started his illustrious career, is set above the banks of the River Dee on Royal Deeside. This picturesque golf course has recently been extensively remodelled by renowned Scottish golf course architect John Souter, with the layout offering a challenge to golfers of all standards. Strategically placed bunkers, mature native trees and the River Dee provide obstacles that can test the most accomplished player. The comfortable clubhouse offers full bar and catering facilities all year round.
As well as the golf course there are tennis courts, a swimming pool and both indoor and outdoor bowling facilities. Banchory holds the Vintage Car Rally in May, the famous St. Ternan Market in June and in August the Deeside Vintage Steam Rally. Along with many stores here there are the art galleries focusing on the works of local artists and artisans with many types of visual art exhibits and musical performances held at the Woodland Arts Centre.
Banchory is surrounded by attractive hills and beautiful rural countryside and is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. It acts as a magnet for the local communities and has a fine High Street and other excellent facilities. There is a wide choice of accommodations available from camping to hotels and everything in between. The restaurants serve all manner of cuisine and the pubs are a place where you can get to meet the friendly people that call Banchory home.
info@banchory.com