Blackpotts Cottages C&CC CS
Whitehills
Nr. Banff
Aberdeenshire
Scotland
AB45 2JN

Tel: 01261 861 396

It is a basic facilities site, water point and CDP. Slightly sloping all grass and well drained and surrounded by a wall.
The owners are friendly and we had a warm welcome to this quiet site.
Next door is a Static Caravan site which was full in the run up to Easter but we had no problems at all with it, indeed the site shop supplied us with many an ice cream and not expensive either.

The site is separated from a rocky sea shore by a narrow road and has a spectacular view across the sea and Banff and Macduff.
We saw Dolphins and Grey Seals and well over 30 bird species from the site alone.

A very short walk away is the Whitehills harbour and there is a path for the 2 mile or so walk into Banff.
This is a lovely place to run away for some peace and quiet and I can see it used for many a runaway weekend for us now we have discovered it.

PS I can recommend the local chipper!

David Benison. CLIC. April 2011

Hillhead Caravan Park
Kintore
Inverutie
Aberdeenshire
Scotland
AB51 0YX

Tel: 01467 632 809
Fax: 01467 633 173

E-mail: Enquiries@HillheadCaravan.co.uk
Web site: http://www.hillheadcaravan.co.uk/

Site visited: July 2000

Dennis Smith

I have stayed at Hillhead Caravan Park quite a few times for periods ranging from a few days to several months. The Park itself always was a nice quiet site but close to all you need.

The main difference the last time I stayed, which was for two months, was the fact that the new team of Dennis and Adrian had taken over.
Nothing is too much trouble for them, even down to letting you use their own computers to send e-mails etc. I found them always courteous and always thinking of their guests first.

I can thoroughly recommend them to anyone seeking a park in this area, or anyone who just wants a base to see Scotland, as Hillhead is well placed for this purpose.

To sum up, a nice park run by nice people!!.

Regards

David Nisbett. CLIC. July 2000

Editors Note.
David suggested that I contact Hillhead to get more detailed info. Below is what Dennis Smith supplied

"We have 30 pitches, 18 have electric hook-up. Our toilet block has disabled Facilities, free hot water and showers, Launderette, indoor washing-up area.
On site is a children’s play area. Dogs are welcome. Nearest supermarket one mile.
We enjoy a quiet wooded setting and there are forest walks from the site like the castle trail ect.
There is a shop on site, which also carries a range of Caravan Accessories. We also offer Caravan storage and Thistle award 6 berth holiday homes.
We have a 4 star Scottish tourist board award.
Open all year."
An additional E-mail is:
deaco@net4zero.com

The Invercauld Caravan Club Site - - - - - Second report below
Glenshee Road
Braemar 
Ballater
Aberdeenshire
Scotland
AB35 5YQ

Tel: 01339 741 373

Site visited: May 2000

A typical, tidy, well run, Caravan Club site.

The wardens were very friendly and helpful when I had problems with the car alarm/electrics. The site is flat but surrounded by the mountains.

Pitches are of a good size, a mix of hard standing and grass. With only the hard standings used in the winter. The site has two toilet blocks although only one is open in the winter.

The block that is open is probably unique. The block is enclosed so that all the "outside" facilities are inside.

From the camp it is a short walk to Braemar village and a little further to Braemar castle. In the other direction it is only a short drive to Glenshee and the ski-ing resort.

Will accept non CCC visitors

David Benison. CLIC. May 2000

The Invercauld CC Site
Glenshee Road
Braemar
Ballater
Aberdeenshire
Scotland
AB35 5YQ

Tel: 01339 741 373

Visited: August 2004

Location: 
Off the A93 on the southern edge of Braemar village.

Pitches:
Very well manicured, mostly level and mostly hard standing.

Facilities:
Two immaculate toilet blocks, laundry and drying room, electronic card controlled barrier entry/exit system, motor home service point.

Children's facilities:
Good play area with climbing frame and "death" slide, plenty of kids on site.

Attractions:
Braemar itself (although there isn’t a lot to do in the village), Balmoral, the Lecht and Glenshee ski areas.
Lots of hill walking and mountain biking nearby. Cycling up the golf course road (across the river from the A93) then crossing the river and riding up the Jocks Road track to the bothy in Glen Callater is a nice route.

Steve Graham. CLIC. August 2004

Silverbank CC Site
Deeside Road
Banchory
Aberdeenshire
Scotland
AB31 5PY

Tel: 01330 822 477

Site visited: November 1999 & April 2002
On the A39 west of Aberdeen

Recently (1998/99 season) upgraded to include hard standings - some 20/25 pitches.

Apart from one corner, all pitches are level side to side and will need very little correction fore and aft. The remainder of the seventy five pitches are grassed and well drained. The quieter pitches (grass) are to the left as one enters the site, the remainder of the grass pitches are in the centre of the site. These are only really used when the site becomes full or nearly full, so there is plenty of room to manoeuvre on and off pitches.

The hard standings can prove a bit tight, for maneuvering, if you have a large outfit of car and caravan but it is not excessively so. The pitches are wide enough for a large TA + car + awning, so there’s no excuse for creating ruts in the grassy areas between pitches.

There is one toilet block maintained to the CCs high standards. The usual vegetable preparation area, chemical disposal point.

The Wardens for the past three years, George and Norma, are welcoming and have a good knowledge of the area. They will be able to inform you of local events and some of the best places to eat in the near vicinity. The nearest is Scott Skinners Restaurant & Pub, which is within a reasonable walking distance.

George and Norma are proud of the site and work hard to keep it that way for the members. They do not take kindly to people who are inconsiderate of others, but at the same time, will not interfere where it’s not needed.

Both propane & butane gas can be bought along with milk, orange juice and various ices. Rolls and newspapers can be ordered from the Wardens on site.

The city of Aberdeen is within 30 minutes drive from the site, try the beaches in summer, or winter if you like ’wild’! There is a permanent funfair at the beach along with good eating places. The city is not cheap (on par with London) so be prepared!

Banchory is the closest village/town & this is only a ten minute drive from the site. The walk along the river is recommended and the Wardens will point the way. Try to visit the bridge when the River Dee is high and watch the peaty waters hurtle under the bridge.

The site is ideally placed for seeing both Royal Deeside and the North East of Scotland with the Whisky Trial within comfortable distance.
The Braemar Gathering is the highlight of the year on Deeside with members of the Royal family paying a short visit to hand out the prizes. There are usually 200/300 Bandsmen & women and several reels of film are recommended!
If you can find it - free whisky can be obtained! Contact Andy G nearer the time for more information!

Directions. From the south.
1. Turn off at signs for Fettercairn - follow the signs for there - then follow signs for Banchory. Not a road for the faint-hearted. Hilly and twisty with locals using it quite a lot!

Directions. From the south.
2. Turn off just prior to Stonehaven and follow the signs for Banchory. This is not too bad a road but it does contain a bridge with near 90 degree turns at either end.

Directions. From all directions.
3. To Aberdeen to roundabout - take first exit (don’t go over the bridge) - then follow signs for Lower Deeside Road (B9077) - follow straight through until ’T’ junction - Turn right - to next ’T’ junction - turn left - follow road (A93) towards Banchory - site on left *immediately* past the BP filling station. Of the three this is by far the easiest!
(Editor note) Andy comments that this route is by far the easier. The Lower Deeside Road is a lot quieter, even in the rush hour, than the Upper Deeside Road.

Directions. From the North East
4. - to Aberdeen - follow signs for Dundee & South - keep straight on until the 7th roundabout across the bridge - turn right onto Lower Deeside Road (B9077) and follow directions (3) above.

An alternative, scenic, route from Perth is to follow signs for Braemar. This road will take you through some spectacular scenery, especially in winter, but it is a hard road for caravanners - if in doubt - don’t try it. This takes you up to Glenshee and down the other side into Braemar and then along to Banchory and Silverbank. Just stay on the road, do not turn off and you will eventually come to Silverbank.

Andy Grant. CLIC. November 1999

As of this season (2002) Silverbank is now all hard standings.

The newer ones are to the inside of the site.
I predict there will be problems for some tuggers with big TAs as the road around the site is rather narrow. Should you wish to make it easier for yourself, ask the Warden if he will assign you (NOT book!! because he won’t!) one of the ’corner’ pitches and explain the size of your outfit.

Trees have been planted in the middle but will take a few years to mature, as will the plants which have also been put in. There is also an extra chemical disposal point in the larger area of the site (to the right as you enter)

Three WCs, four showers and five shaving cubicles - pointless going before ten am when the site’s busy!

You will experience the sound of the reversing bleeper from the timber yard next to the site, unavoidable.

Still a nice pleasant site and handy for Royal Deeside, Aberdeen and points north.

This up-date from Andy Grant. CLIC. April 2002

Tarland C & CC Site
Tarland by Deeside
Tarland by Aboyne
Aberdeenshire
Scotland
AB34 4UP

Tel: 01339 881 388

Web: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Visited May 2005

The entrance --- Shower block --- View of site 1 --- View of site 2 --- View of site 3

The site is beside a quiet road, with a large grass area at the front, and hard-standings in clusters to the rear. To the left of the entrance are a few static's. The facilities are opposite the entrance, with a laundry room, and the dishwashing sinks are under a canopy at one end.

At the opposite end of the site to the entrance is a grass area without hook-ups, which has a small block comprising 3 small rooms, 2 of which contain a WC and hand basin, the 3rd having a dishwashing sink. When I commented, to the HSM, that this looked ideal for tents he said that it was in dry weather, but at other times he allowed campers to pick their own spot anywhere on the site.

Tarland itself is a short walk from the site, and has a couple of shops, a Post Office, Pharmacy, and 2 pubs.

TV reception fair
Mobile phone (Orange) reception is non-existent, but walk along the road, passing the house next to the site, and reception was good, but it seemed strange standing by a field of cows while we were using the phone. I was told that the only mobiles that worked on site were Vodaphone.

John & Jean Haseltine. CLIC. September 2005

Top | Back to area page | Back to Index | Back to county list