A FIRE-ravaged former railway station building reopened to the public yesterday.
The B-listed Old Royal Station in Ballater was hit by a serious blaze three years ago.
It has since been rebuilt by Aberdeenshire Council and was officially reopened to visitors by Provost Bill Howatson yesterday.
The wooden site was historically used by royals travelling to and from nearby Balmoral Castle and is now home to a tourist information centre, restaurant and tearoom.
It also houses a public library plus restored royal waiting room and carriage.
The local authority said the project had utilised as much of the original material as possible.
It is hoped that the revamped site will serve as a visitor attraction.
Ahead of the event, Howatson said: “I hope the community is proud of what is the result of a lot of hard work and enjoys the results for many years to come.”
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