New webcam lets Glenshee skiers check snowgate before they go

Braemar Community Council today launched an innovative webcam at the snowgate on the main route to the ski centre to help snowsports enthusiasts plan their journeys more effectively.

Local Aberdeenshire Councillor Geva Blackett said it had taken five years to develop from an idea to a working tool.

And she explained: “I got fed up not knowing if the gate was open and often got caught. I realised that many businesses and tourists were also suffering and - with technology advancing rapidly - decided as a then member of the Braemar Community Council, to do something about it A webcam was the obvious solution.”

John Macpherson, Chairman of Braemar Community Council said: “Thanks to Aberdeenshire Council, funding was found from planning gain to buy the equipment and pay for the installation of a broadband line. The Community Council own the webcam and are responsible for maintenance and all future payments but we are extremely grateful to the council for their help. Braemar provides access to Scotland’s premier ski area at Glenshee and skiers no longer need to sit waiting for the gates to open. They can nip into the village, have a coffee and monitor the gates on their phone.”

Les Allan, manager of Aberdeenshire Council’s Marr Area, said: “This project has been a fantastic partnership effort between the community and the council and demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together. The roads team at Aberdeenshire Council have worked with Braemar Community Council and the IT specialist to come up with innovative technical solutions to help with this project which is going to be of benefit to people living and working locally.”

Links to the webcam for phones can be found on http://www.braemarscotland.co.uk/cam/phone.htm and on http://www.braemarscotland.co.uk/cam/cam.htm for PCs. The link can also be found on Aberdeenshire Council website www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/webcams/braemar.asp