Drum Castle, Aberdeenshire

Dating back to the time of Robert the Bruce, Drum Castle is one of Scotland’s finest castles. Construction commenced in the 13^th Century, and in the years that followed additions and embellishments improved the look and comfort levels.

Originally Drum Castle was a royal hunting lodge, but in 1323 it was given to William de Irwyn by Robert the Bruce for faithful support over many years. Subsequently, Drum Castle would become the seat of the Clan Irvine for 650 years.

Drum Castle - Nick Bramhall - CC-BY-SA-2.0

The wealth and prestige of the Clan Irvine would increase over the years, reaching its peak in the 17^th Century. The wealth of the family would see an impressive Jacobean extension added to the original square tower in 1619, but as the century went on the fortunes of Drum Castle plummeted.

During the Civil War, the Laird of Drum was a staunch royalist, and so the castle was an obvious target for parliamentarians, or in the cases of Scotland, Convenaners. During the Civil War, Drum Castle was besieged twice, and played host to hostile garrisons on four occasions.

The garrisoning of the castle saw Drum Castle looted, and the estates damaged, although structural damage to the castle was minimal.

After the Civil War, and the eventual Restoration, the fortunes of Drum Castle did not recover, and the estate was sold off. It was only due to some friendly neighbours that Drum Castle remained in the hands of the Irvines. In the 18^th Century, the Irvinces would be on the losing side during the Jacobite Rebellion, and for a brief time the Laird of Drum had to abandon his home.

Drum Castle - Craig Burgess - CC-BY-SA-2.0

Into the 19^th Century, Drum Castle and the Lairds of Drum started to recover, and a large extension in the Victorian style, was added in 1876, but a century later Drum Castle was passed over to the nation, and from 1975 it has been run by the National Trust for Scotland.

10 miles west of Aberdeen, and close to Peterculter, today, Drum Castle is a popular tourist attraction, as well as wedding venue. Situated in the heart of Royal Deeside, the castle is open to the public during the summer months, with the grounds open outside of these times. Details of opening times and admission charges can be found on the NTS website.