Hi i remember the Fife arms very well on my first crossing in 2006, Many challengers would flood this place with a well deserved beverage or 2 and wouldnt leave till 12-1 in the morning. They even had a deejay banging all the Bruce springsteen classics out everyone was having a great time. For me just meeting everyone and listening to their stories of the challenge so far was wonderful, it almost makes you forget you have another week to go :-0.
Unfortunatley i dont think you will get the Fife arms like that again so once it renovated it might go up-market keeping the challengers out.

As far as I'm aware the restored and refurbished Fife Arms will welcome everyone - walkers included.

I hope they do its a nice atmosphere and a great welcoming point

Confirmed, I was in Braemar on Friday and was told it is going to be another year until it is opened. They are keeping the original façade but everything behind it is going to be brand new.
Judging by the number of dayglow jackets and hard hats all over the town, I think a lot of local businesses might be benefiting at the moment.
If you do go through Braemar the excellent local butchers is a must do stop before you leave; their bridies are just what you need for a day on the hill.

There was still plenty of socialising going on in Braemar when I accidentally re-routed there this year. We ate and met friends at the Invercauld Arms Hotel. I believe others met up at The Moorfield.
However, Ballater is a good alternative...I went there too 😄
I think there was an agreement made to provide for the locals and walkers etc. when the planning was agreed for The Fife, but I could be wrong.

Last 2 years, the Invercauld Arms has been the NEW Fife.
It was buzzing last year.
I will definitely be there. That may well be a deterrent

And the Moorfield I am sure will also have a few folk in.

What Andrew said...and I can confirm that Ballater is a fine alternative.

I stayed at the Moorfield this year. The new family that have taken it over were great. I also had a meal there with Jim and that was top notch too. I can heartily recommend it . As said The Invercauld was the busy spot. Hopefully they wont run out of beverages next year