A former Deeside grocer’s shop has been converted into a village pub to meet local demand.
The chieftain of Clan Farquharson officially opened Farquharson’s Bar and Kitchen in Braemar yesterday.
Laird of Invercauld, Captain Alwyne Farquharson, cut a ribbon emblazoned with the clan’s tartan to mark the occasion.
The 100-year-old is a well-known face around Deeside, as he has also been the chieftain of the Ballater Games for the past 70 years.
Braemar residents had pushed for a new local pub when the Fife Arms Hotel closed for refurbishment in 2017.
The historic coaching inn has since reopened but its temporary absence from village life left people searching for an alternative.
It was a need staff at the Invercauld Estate thought they could meet with the help of the recently closed grocer’s shop.
The premises was completely refurbished at a cost of around £300,000, with staff accommodation also added to the property.
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Braemar can now call upon two establishments and it is hoped that in the years to come they will benefit locals and visitors alike.
Invercauld Estate manager state Angus McNicol said: “When the suggestion of the turning the old shop into a pub emerged from discussions with members of the Braemar community, this seemed to us an excellent idea.
“There has been a lot of work needed on the building but we are delighted to see Farquharson’s Bar and Kitchen now welcoming people through its doors.”
Experienced restauranteur Idris Bozyil, who operates similar venues in Edinburgh and Angus, was enlisted to run the new bar.
He said: “It is a great honour to open this new venue in Braemar.
“My vision has been to create somewhere in which both locals and visitors to Braemar can feel relaxed, with a wide selection of local and international drinks and both Scottish and Mediterranean cuisine.
“It has been a project that has been long in the making but we have been determined to get it right.
“This is a momentous occasion. I am very pleased to open the doors to everyone.”
