20 September 2025 (11:00 - 16:00)
21 September 2025 (11:00 - 16:00)
The Albert Memorial Hall, a category C listed building, was officially opened on 29th September 1875 as a community meeting place for the residents of Ballater. The ground floor also housed the local post office making the building one of the most important civic buildings in the heart of the village opposite the train station. Queen Victoria would alight here during her frequent visits to Balmoral.
The Albert Hall is on the first floor, today accessible by lift, and is used currently for various community activities. An area now designated as the Mike Sheridan Room, was added 20 years later as part of the Victoria Hall and Gordon Institute when the community needed greater space than was then available in the Albert Hall.
This year marks a truly momentous occasion—the 150th anniversary of the opening of Ballater’s cherished Albert Hall. Coinciding beautifully with Scotland’s annual Doors Open Day, this historic milestone offers a wonderful opportunity to honour one of our village’s most iconic architectural gems.
Visitors will be invited to view an exhibition of original plans of the building, photographs taken over the years and various pictures, documents and artefacts relating to activities linked to the Halls over nearly 150 years.
The V&A Halls stand as a proud symbol of Ballater’s heritage and hospitality. As a key destination for visitors and locals alike, it continues to serve as a vibrant hub for community life. Thanks to the dedication of an active committee of trustees, the building complex is being lovingly maintained with a view to ensuring its legacy endures for generations to come.
Everyone is invited to join the celebrations, explore the Albert Hall, and experience its charm firsthand.
Given the nature of the halls and it’s multiple uses, some portions of the building may be unavailable to access during the tours.

Address
The Victoria and Albert Halls, Station Square, Ballater, AB35 5QB