North Of Scotland Omnibus Depot, Invercauld Road, Braemar

The North of Scotland Omnibus Depot, dating to circa 1900, is a two-storey, three-bay building constructed with a timber frame and weatherboard cladding. It has a five-bay harled depot to the east, and a later addition to the north forming an L-shaped plan. A granite base course runs along the bottom of the west (principal) elevation, which features a central four-panel timber door with a rectangular fanlight and narrow sidelights. Flanking this are tripartite windows, with the window to the right incorporating a central panel that contains a six-panel timber door. Above the entrance is the 'BLUEBIRD BUSES' fascia. The upper panes of the ground floor windows are margined, and the first floor has timber four-pane sash and case windows. The roof is covered with grey slate, topped by coped masonry gable stacks and octagonal chimney cans.

Internally, access was unavailable at the time of a 2005 inspection.

The depot is a notable feature of the Braemar streetscape, situated on the main road through the village. It is one of the largest and most elaborate timber-framed structures in the village, representing a significant example of this building type, particularly characteristic of the North East region. The reeded doorpiece and margin-paned glazing are interesting details. The building demonstrates the impact of improved transport links and the growth of tourism. Following the railway extension to Ballater in the 1850s, passengers initially travelled from the station to Braemar in horse-drawn carriages; an omnibus service was later introduced from this depot to connect with Ballater Station around the turn of the century. The building was not shown on the 1899-1901 Ordnance Survey map.