The project team behind the restoration of Ballater's fire-damaged Old Royal Station has secured a major industry accolade.

Leader of Aberdeenshire Council Jim Gifford and principal architect Craig Matheson attended the 2019 National Rail Heritage Awards on Tuesday 04 December, accepting the South Eastern Commercial Restoration Award from HRH The Princess Royal.

The B-listed station, historically used by Royals travelling by train to their home at nearby Balmoral Castle, was destroyed by fire in May 2015 and carefully rebuilt and restored by the local authority before reopening in August of last year.

Survey work included 3D laser scanning and modelling to capture the exact size and proportions of timber mouldings and fretwork allowing any new timbers to be as accurate as possible and reduce waste.

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A key focus of the repair and conservation work was to retain and utilise as much of the original fabric as possible.

Craig Matheson and Marr Area Manager Janelle Clark said: "We are absolutely delighted that Aberdeenshire Council has received this coveted award as it recognises the massive commitment by the many partners who made the project such a success including our architects Halliday Fraser Munro, with Conservation Architect Georgina Allison, and main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction.

"It is also very important at this time to thank the community of Ballater for its fantastic support throughout the project and all those individuals and local organisations who helped piece together this historic jigsaw and breathe new life into the station."

Judges who visited the station this summer said the £4.2 million reconstruction of the building was "most praiseworthy" and singled out the council's determination to see the works completed to a high level. 


Recalling his visit to Ballater, fellow judge Edward McGloin added: "On the day of my visit the station had a vibrant feel and was busy throughout. It is great to see that four years on from the devastating fire the station is again at the centre of Ballater and its community.


"Well done to all involved in this very good restoration of this historic station." 


The judges singled out the renovation of the Royal waiting room – now used as a private dining room – as a "jewel in the crown" and an "astonishing display of craftsmanship" which could easily have merited its own entry for an award.

(CM/JG)