The Castle Trail
DRUM
CASTLE
The
keep is one of the three oldest tower houses
surviving in Scotland. It was the work of Richard
Cementarius, first Provost of Aberdeen and King's
Master mason, in the late 13th century. The
High Hall of the tower is still in its medieval
state. It is accessed by a narrow newel stair,
and offers fine views from the battlements.
The original house was enlarged with the creation
of a very fine Jacobean mansion house in 1619
and a later addition during the reign of Queen
Victoria.
William de Irwyn was given the charter of the
Royal Forest of Drum by King Robert the Bruce
in 1323. The same family remained owners of
Drum for the following 653 years. Irvine memorabilia
is shown in the Family Room and the house contains
an excellent collection of portraits and good
Georgian furniture. It is a welcoming house
with the feeling of a family home, enhanced
by the recent creation of the Day and Night
Nurseries. The grounds contain the 40h a (100
a) Old Wood of Drum - a natural oakwood - coniferous
plantations, deciduous woodland and arboretum.
Within the old walled garden is the fine collection
of Historic Roses. The castle also features
a period tearoom and shop..
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