The fame of the medicinal wells at Pannanich (now bottled as Deeside Spring Water) on the south side of the River Dee led directly to the growth of the spa centre of Ballater. The ferry at Tullich, opposite Pannanich - called in the past the ‘Lourdes of Deeside’, could not cope with the influx of visitors seeking cures and a bridge was built at Ballater in 1783. Speculators invested in this new site immediately afterwards and Ballater started to take shape before the end of the 18th century. The proximity of the royal castle at Balmoral, plus the arrival of the railway in 1866 assured its prosperity. It is a Royal Burgh and has many shops displaying ‘By Royal Appointment’ signs. It is still a busy and prosperous centre, with the Old Royal Station the newest of its attractions.