The Highlander And Invercauld Sportsman, 8 Invercauld Road, Braemar

This pair of shops, dating to circa 1900, forms a symmetrical, single-storey and attic, 4-bay structure. They are located in the heart of Braemar village and have made an important economic and visual contribution to the local area. The buildings are constructed of Aberdeen-bonded squared and coursed granite. The north-west (principal) elevation features a pair of tall central doors set within part-glazed, canted timber sidelight recesses, flanked by display windows. The roof is low-pitched with grey slate and a red tile ridge. Distinctive, triangular-plan, set-back gabled dormers are present above, adorned with decorative bargeboards. Later extensions are visible to the south-west.

Deep eaves are characteristic, and the north-east display window retains its original 4-pane glazing, while the south-west window has plate glass.

The interiors have been modernised but retain some original elements. Lamont Sporrans, formerly the Invercauld Sportsman, and before that Sedgwick’s Chemists, contains cabinets from its previous use as a chemist’s shop, and has uncovered an original corner fireplace. Both shops feature timber panelling laid directly onto the stonework. They were not shown on the 2nd Edition Ordnance Survey Map (1899-1901) and information regarding the buildings comes courtesy of the current owners. The canted sidelights and the set-back gabled dormers are particularly notable features. Despite the rear extension to one half, the original proportions of the shop window openings have been maintained, showcasing traditional Braemar features such as the symmetrical frontage, decorative bargeboards, and grey slates with a red tile ridge.