A beloved Aberdeenshire inn on the banks of the River Dee has opened its doors once again after sitting empty for almost three years.
The historic Potarch Hotel has been redeveloped and brought back to life by the Ballogie Estate Enterprises as a cafe-restaurant and lodge.
And last night a ceremony was held at the venue to mark the official reopening, with locals said to be delighted at the return of “Potties”.
The building is just feet from the Potarch Bridge, famed as the spot where local strongman Donald Dinnie first lifted and carried the Dinnie Stanes in 1860.
The hotel was closed down in 2013 following years of dwindling business.
Now its seven rooms and the former pub are “luxury” self-catering accommodation designed for fishing and hunting parties, while the rest is a “gastro-style” eatery.
The outdoors area has been expanded, with extra car parking created.
Last night property manager for Ballogie Estate, Lewis Gray, said: “We are really happy that it has now got to the completion stage. The feedback we have got so far from the community is they are really happy it is back as somewhere they can come back to.
“We opened up on Friday for local people to come in. They really engaged well with that, it was all really, really positive. The idea was to give local people a chance to come in and use it first and get off on the right foot.
“We have brought the building up to date. The old function room that is now a cafe and restaurant area.
“It has a nice, relaxing atmosphere and there is an outside play area and decking area. It is really good for cyclists, walkers, day-trippers – even for a cup of tea and a scone.”
There has been a hostelry at the spot neighbouring the historic Potarch Bridge since at least 1740.
Plans were originally unveiled to turn the once-bustling watering hole into a four-star, 40-bedroom venue with a bistro, restaurant and bar but they were withdrawn in 2014 to make way for the current development.
