A farming couple will turn acres of land near Balmoral Castle into Deeside’s newest visitor attraction.
Balnault Farm, just off the A93 Aberdeen to Braemar road west of the royal residence, has been in Neil Fraser’s family for 75 years.
He and wife Helen are now poised to roll out plans to secure its future for generations to come.
What will Neil and Helen do?
Under the scheme, an old steading will be transformed into a shop selling produce from the farm and other local traders.
And, to bring in even more visitors, several “animal viewing and interactive pens”, a children’s play area, a maze, a sensory garden and picnic areas will be created across the 3,000 acres of land at Crathie.
And there will be a wildflower meadow to encourage butterflies and bees to flourish.
The scheme was approved by members of the Marr Area Committee this afternoon.
But that came despite warnings it could create “civil dispute” with neighbours who complained about visitors using a shared access route that leads to their homes.
What animals can people visit at Balnault Farm?
The expanse is home to 40 suckler cows, two Charolais bulls, 400 breeding ewes and a growing number of rare breed Berkshire pigs.
But the star attraction will be the herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle, an iconic species Neil’s granddad used to farm at Balnault.
How did idea grow?
Neil and Helen set up a butchery last year and see the shop as a way to reduce their food miles – and their carbon footprint.
Since then, they have seen demand soar as they sell their wares at farmers markets in Ballater, Braemar and Aboyne.
And their hog roasts are proving a hit at weddings and other special occasions.
Addressing councillors, Helen outlined the “brave step forward” to diversify the decades-old business.
She said: “We have a passion for raising animals like our rare breed Berkshire pigs, and for educating the next generation about rare and native breeds to ensure their survival.
“We have chosen to convert a run-down old byre for the farm shop rather than creating a shiny new one.
“We are excited to share this with families who wish to visit, and to educate everyone about the amazing food you can find on our doorstep.”
Who objected to the scheme?
The chief executive of the firm that owns Braemar’s Fife Arms Hotel, Ewan Venters, and wife Jane are neighbours and raised concerns.
They demanded a condition be imposed stating that residents living further up the shared track are not responsible for the upkeep of the road which will now be used by visitors as well.
Director of the Braemar Highland Experience tour operator, Julian Fennema, raised fears about road safety.
But Invercauld Estate, which owns the site, gave the plan its backing.
And the council’s planning department stressed that none of the qualms raised were enough to warrant refusing the proposal.
The Frasers have vowed to find solutions to ensure their neigbours remain happy.
‘It’s been a long haul!’
Speaking to the Press and Journal after the meeting, Helen told us that securing permission to realise their dreams felt “amazing”.
She added: “More and more people are wanting to know where their food comes from, this is something gaining popularity.
“And Deeside gets visitors from all over, perhaps we will welcome in kids who have never seen a farm before.
“It will be the perfect place for tourists to stretch their legs.”
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How project will secure Balnault Farm’s future
The mum of two-year-old Nancy added: “My husband was born and bred here, and I have lived here for eight years.
“Farming can be hard, you never know what it’s going to be like.
“This will give us some extra support, knowing we can still be here and successfully run the farm.
“And Nancy loves it, she has got the animal bug too!”
The farm shop will create one full-time job, and the park two part-time roles, with staff accommodation on site.
They hope to have the shop open by the end of the summer, with the rest next spring.
Balnault Farm ‘park’ will benefit youngsters
Aboyne, Braemar and Upper Deeside councillor Geva Blackett led calls to endorse the plans.
She said: “The passion that this young couple show for their animals, and for education, is exemplary.
“This will also create the opportunity for local school group to learn about ‘farm to fork’.
“It’s a very good project.”
Could attraction increase road risks?
Mrs Blackett also raised concerns about the increased potential for accidents on the stretch of the A93 outside Balnault Farm.
After being advised that this was “not a planning matter”, she pledged to lobby the council’s roads department about possible mitigation measures.
Ultimately, the committee voted unanimously to grant permission.
Conversation