The Invercauld Arms Hotel, Braemar 1971

The Invercauld Arms Hotel in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, is a distinguished Highland hotel steeped in history and charm. Built in the mid-19th century, it stands on a site of national historical significance—believed to be the very mound where the Jacobite standard was raised in 1715, signalling the start of the first major Jacobite Rising. A brass plaque on the hotel today commemorates this momentous event.

Constructed in granite and expanded in 1886 to designs by architect J. T. Wimperis, the Invercauld Arms exemplifies Victorian baronial architecture. With its crow-stepped gables, pointed turrets, overhanging eaves, and bargeboard details, the building is unmistakably Scottish in character. The interiors retain many period features, including timber panelling, carved fireplaces, and traditional plasterwork, lending the hotel an atmosphere of old-world grandeur.

The hotel takes its name from the Invercauld Estate, a vast Highland domain that has shaped much of Braemar’s history. Alongside its architectural significance, the Invercauld Arms has played a role in key moments of the 20th century. During World War II, it was used as a school for Belgian evacuee children, highlighting its role not just as a place of rest, but also one of refuge and community.

In the decades that followed, the hotel became a popular destination for tourists exploring Royal Deeside and the nearby Cairngorms National Park. Its location at the entrance to Braemar places it within walking distance of Kindrochit Castle, the Braemar Highland Games Centre, and the historic route to Balmoral Castle—all major draws for visitors interested in Scottish culture and royal history.

Today, the Invercauld Arms Hotel offers around 55 guest rooms, many with views of the surrounding hills and glens. It continues to serve as a warm and inviting base for walkers, nature lovers, and those attending the annual Braemar Gathering, often attended by members of the Royal Family.