Body of man, 61, recovered from water in Ballater as police shut down area
The body of a man has been recovered from the water at a bridge in Ballater.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at Ballater Bridge where a body was pulled from the River Dee at around 12.15pm yesterday (Sunday, January 19). Roads around the area were shut in the Aberdeenshire town while a recovery operation was undertaken.
The body of a 61-year-old man was recovered with officers from Police Scotland saying the cause of death is being treated as unexplained. Ballater Bridge remains closed to all members of the public as an investigation is carried out.
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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 12.15pm on Sunday, 19 January 2025, the body of a 61-year-old man was recovered from the water at Ballater Bridge, Ballater.
"Enquiries are ongoing into the cause of his death which at this time police are treating as unexplained.
"A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Ballater Bridge remains closed at this time."
Police later confirmed on Monday that the bridge had been reopened and said enquiries remained ongoing.
A statement read: "Ballater bridge has re-opened following a report of a body in the water.
"Emergency services attended and the body of a 61-year-old man was recovered around 12.15pm on Sunday, 19 January.
"The death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.
"A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal. Thank you to the public for their patience."