Jacqui Cooper (Host of LoveTravelScotland & JCooperTravels) & Yvette MacDonald (Scottish Entrepreneur & Expert) are hosting travels around Scotland & visits to Castles and the Heritage Trails. In this ongoing series we are will be visiting Castles in all regions of Scotland. We will also be interviewing individuals within the local areas of the featured castles.
Drum Castle
Drum Castle is a castle near Drumoak in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. For centuries it was the seat of the chief of Clan Irvine. The place-name Drum is derived from Gaelicdruim, 'ridge'. The site is located approximately 61⁄2 miles (10.5 kilometres) northeast of Banchory and 3 miles (5 kilometres) west of Peterculter.
The property is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is open to the public.
The original 13th-century tower of Drum Castle has been suggested as the work of medieval architect Richard Cementarius, who built the Bridge of Don in Old Aberdeen. It is believed to be one of the three oldest tower houses in Scotland (and notably unaltered). A large wing was added in 1619 by the 9th laird, and further alterations were made during the Victorian era.
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History:
The imposing medieval tower of Drum Castle in Aberdeenshire is one of the oldest of its kind in Scotland – a gift from Robert the Bruce to his faithful confidant, William de Irwin. Climb the steep steps to the battlements at the top and enjoy stunning views over the estate and beyond on all four sides.
Afterwards, take a guided tour of this fascinating castle, and learn all about the endeavours of the noble Irvine clan from their origins to the present day. Discover tales of intrigue and romance from the turbulent days of the Jacobite risings, and follow in the footsteps of Drum’s intrepid 17th laird who fought alongside Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) at Culloden. Be sure to see the grand Victorian library with its impressive collection of over 4,000 valuable books, high vaulted ceiling and the secret network of chambers concealed behind the bookcases.
In the gallery space on the second floor of the castle, you can enjoy a programme of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the finest examples of contemporary Scottish art
Jacobite tales whisper through the medieval grand hall of this castle
Visit one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses.
Stroll through the Old Wood of Drum, home to oak trees dating from the 1700s.
Admire Drum’s exquisite chapel, built in the 1500s.
Relax amid the heady scents of the Garden of Historic Roses.
The sweep of 700 years of history is stamped into Drum’s battlements, medieval square tower and sprawling extensions.
The Royal Forest and Tower of Drum were given to the Irvine family by Robert the Bruce in 1323. Later a Jacobean mansion house was added, and in the Victorian era the lower hall was converted to a library, now containing a mighty 4,000 books.
The beautiful Garden of Historic Roses is divided into quadrants that show how roses have been cultivated from the 17th to the 20th century.
The ancient oak forest adjoins the castle, providing a sense of continuity through the centuries and a home for red kites, roe deer, red squirrels and badgers.
The Historic Rose Gardens
Take a stroll down to Drum’s magnificent Garden of Historic Roses – follow the path down past the pond, which teems with wildlife in summer, and into the walled garden.
Here, you’ll find four separate areas showcasing four centuries of garden design and rose growing. Formal knot gardens, box parterres, symmetry and topiary are typical of the 17th and 18th centuries, while more informal, flower-rich planting schemes represent the 19th and 20th centuries. Different types of rose feature in each section, and the contrast is fascinating – historically older roses are often more highly scented but usually only flower once, unlike their modern successors.
A labour of love for Drum’s gardening team and their army of fantastic volunteers for several decades, the Garden of Historic Roses features an enormous array of rare and exotic roses. Take your time to experience all the wonderful colours and scents.
The roses can be enjoyed at their best in June and July when a heady aroma perfumes the air. They’re complemented by an impressive collection of herbaceous plants which extend the garden’s season of interest well into autumn.
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