The scenic Scottish village looks like the perfect winter resort with its frozen river and whitewashed mountain peaks in the distance, but residents complain they are often left with no radio signal, only a small grocery store and frozen water pipes at home.

The British daily The Sun writes that the village may seem insignificant, but in fact it is a secret hideout for celebrities such as Rita Ora or members of the royal family.

The 600 permanent residents of Braemar in the Highlands of Scotland are already facing the challenges of freezing weather as temperatures have dropped to -20Cs.

But with the increase in energy costs, some of the families in the area say that they are left with the difficult choice between heating or buying food.

John Peoples, 84, says he only has expensive electric heaters in his home amid the Cairngorms National Park.

"Now I only heat one room. It's no use heating the whole house because energy prices have become ridiculous," he says.

Even lonely Grandpa John says he faces his first Christmas alone, which puts a strain on his finances.

John says the council wants to remove his coal fireplace as part of the 'green movement', but the army veteran has so far refused, citing harsh conditions and isolation.

He adds: "We have been completely isolated for several weeks, but I am not complaining, we ourselves want to stay here, a little difficulty does us no harm."

"It's the first time I've been a widower at this time, and actually some young people invited us to a Christmas dinner in the village but I declined, because I like being alone."

In the panoramic village of Braemar there is now no radio signal and no supermarket, apart from a food kiosk.

Even at the end of 2015, the village was isolated by snow and the community was forced to come together to care for those most in need.

The community is close to the British royal residence Balmoral and attracts tourists and celebrities such as - Rita Ora who has stayed at the only hotel The Fife Arms.

In that case, Rita Ora wrote on Instagram: "I had a wonderful time in Scotland ... and I will be back very soon."

But in mid-winter the country turns into a ghost town as the cold weather drives away visitors, while rising energy costs force residents to pay more than £10 a day for heating.

Most of the businesses in Braemar are small family businesses, mainly hospitality and restaurants. This causes the natives to work two or three jobs at once to make ends meet. //The Sun/