Ballater’s Old Royal Station has risen from the ashes of a devastating 2015 fire and will officially reopen next week.
Provost Bill Howatson will cut the ribbon to the B-listed building on Monday following a £3 million transformation.
The restored space includes a VisitScotland centre, a restaurant and teamroom run by the Duke of Rothesay’s charitable trust, together with a public library.
As part of the work, specialists were drafted in to ensure the quality of the renovated station matches its historic roots.
They were also careful to re-use as many of the building’s original materials as possible.
Provost Howatson said: “I know the community is very much looking forward to the reopening of the station and I’m personally happy to be involved in the culmination of such an important project for the area, which has involved a lot of hard work by a large number of people.
“I’ve already had a glimpse inside the building while works progressed. The restoration is very sympathetic and there’s a very high standard of workmanship.
“I hope the community is proud of what is the result of a lot of hard work and enjoys the results for many years to come.”
For a sneak preview of the historic building’s insides ahead of the opening at 11am on Monday, visit pressandjournal.co.uk.
