Prince Charles is believed to be in talks to takeover an Aberdeenshire shop which closed its doors for good last month.
McEwen’s of Perth announced it was going into administration in March, taking with it its outlet on Ballater’s Bridge Street.
The shop immediately closed with a sign on one of its windows announcing it was due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
It was a fresh blow for Ballater, as McEwan’s was one of just a few businesses on the main artery through the community which survived the devastating flooding which accompanied Storm Frank on December 30 last year.
However now it is believed the Duke of Rothesay is in early discussions to house a “pop-up” Highgrove tea shop at the site of McEwan’s.
A spokesman for Clarence House said: “His Royal Highness has a close relationship with Ballater and is committed to exploring ways in which his charities can help the local community following the recent floods.”
The Highgrove brand produces products and goods for the Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation.
Prince Charles made a significant donation to support some of the local projects in Ballater including the caravan site earlier in the year through the foundation.
Fresh positivity is spreading through Ballater following Storm Frank, which had a knock-on effect even on the businesses which survived the floods.
In the village along some 307 homes and 60 businesses were flooded.
However in recent weeks HM Sheridan butchers and Brakeley Gift Room have started trading once again, while in neighbouring Aboyne the flood-hit Footprint shoe shop has reopened.
Ballater Golf Club is also open once again and Deeside Books is on track to do so this summer, but is already trading online