Plans to redevelop the historic gateway to the Queen’s north-east home have been approved by Aberdeenshire Council.
The B-listed Gate Lodge at the Crathie entrance to the Balmoral Estate will be transformed into a gift shop and new ticket office.
Last night, the royal estate welcomed the granting of listed building consent to revive the structure, which it is hoped will enhance the “visitor experience”.
The plans will necessitate the demolition of the existing ticket office at the side of the building, which has been a fixture for 100 years.
Whereupon, the ground floor of the Gate Lodge will be split, with the south end transformed into the ticket office and shop and the north side remaining as rented accommodation.
It is anticipated work can get underway in the next few months in time for next year’s tourist season.
The removal of the current ticket office will allow for a driveway to be created and provide enhanced access to the lodge.
The design statement for the plans said the current office was “under-sized for its needs” and “detracts visually”.
Resident factor at Balmoral Estate, Richard Gledson, said: “We have been granted planning permission, but haven’t yet got a building warrant. It is hoped we would start work before Christmas with a view to having it open for the beginning of the next tourist season.
“It is an old building. It is an important building. One must be sympathetic and I think we have done that. We had a number of options and this is the one we felt was best.
“Everything we do is in keeping with the building and it should greatly improve the visitor experience throughout the year.”
Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside SNP councillor, Geva Blackett, added: “I think it is great news and it will enhance the culture and heritage that Balmoral already gives us in this area.
“So many visitors come to Balmoral every year, it is absolutely right proper facilities are put in.”
Liberal Democrat councillor for the area, Peter Argyle, said: “Balmoral is very important. Amongst other things I think it is an important visitor attraction in Deeside. It is a place people come here to visit.”
