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Drum Castle; Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Photo by Ikiwaner.

Top 10 Facts about Drum Castle

The Tower of Drum is one of the oldest surviving towers in Scotland. The name ‘drum’ is derived from the Gaelic word ‘druim’, which means ‘ridge’.

Located in Drumoak, Aberdeenshire, it is a worthy tourist site with high walls of up to 70 feet, walls 12 feet thick, and incredible Victorian designs.

Home to the Irvines clan for over 650 years, Drum Castle is now governed by the National Trust of Scotland and open to the public. Here are the top 10 facts about the tower of Drum you might want to know.

1. It was originally built by order of Alexander the Third

At around 1280 AD, Alexander directed Richard Cementarius to oversee its construction. Richard was a medieval architect and a mason to the King. One of his other great works is the Brig O’Balgownie; the first bridge of old Aberdeen.

It is believed that Alexander wanted it to serve as his royal hunting lodge, with the ancient royal forest of oaks still surviving to date. Richard built the tower 70 feet high and made the walls 12 feet thick.

2. The Drum Castle has a well with a dark past

Richard the architect also built a secret chamber within the thick walls and dug a well in its ground vault. The well is associated with a dark event in the Castle’s history.

It is said that the 5^th Laird of Drum Castle killed his chamberlain in the well and dismembered him, alleging that he had slept with his wife. He was fined a hundred marks and let off.

3. Richard the Bruce gifted it to the Irvine family in 1323

Alexander Forbes Irvine (1818-1892), 20th Laird of Drum. Photo by George Reid (Scottish artist 1841-1913). .

He offered it to William de Irvin in 1323. William was his armor-bearer and friend. The castle was in the ownership of the Irvine family for centuries, passing through over 21 generations continuously.

Alexander Forbes Irvine, on inheriting the Drum, oversaw the restoration of the courtyard, and the chapel and added an angle tower. He also put up an arched entrance. He and his wife were also censured in June 1636 for harboring an outlaw.

4. It is home to the famous Garden of Historic Roses

Historic rose garden at Drum Castle (1). Photo by Dave Spicer.

This garden is on the east side. Interestingly, it is divided into four quadrants or areas, with each quadrant depicting a different style of gardening design and rose growing from the 17^th to the 20th century. 

Each quadrant features different types of roses, with unique scents. It is said that older roses have a stronger scent than modern ones. It is a walled garden, with some authentic varieties of roses available.  Volunteers and employed workers at the Drum tend to the garden, which is open to the public.

5. It has a Victorian library

The library was established during the Victorian era. It is the lower hall that was converted to become a library. Over 4000 great books fill the shelves with the oldest being a book on Italian history. There are secret chambers behind the bookcases, some connecting parts of the castle. The library is open to the public.

6. There is an ancient oak forest adjoining the castle

Old Wood of Drum Part of Drum Castle property (NTS), the main trees are oak, scots pine, birch and rhododendron. Its history dates back to 1247 when it was designated a royal hunting forest. Photo by Alan Findlay.

It is the largest ancient oak forest in England, with species dating back to as far as the 17^th century. In addition to being a royal hunting ground, its wood was used to build parts of the castle. It is home to a wide range of wild animals such as roe deer and badgers. The oak forest is now a protected site, shielded from development for its preservation.

7. The Drum Castle played a role in the Covenanting Rebellion

James Pittendrigh Macgillivray’s statue of leading reformer John Knox in St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh. Photo by CPClegg.

The Covenanting Rebellion was a Scottish reformist, political and religious movement during the Scottish Reformation.  It arose from the differences between King James VI and Charles 1 over the doctrine and structure of the church.

The Irvine family, owners of the castle at the time, were loyal to King Charles 1. The castle was attacked thrice and Sir Alexander Irvine was forced to convert. He was then made Sheriff of Aberdeen in 1634. His brother’s two sons were imprisoned in Edinburgh numerous times and one of them died there.

8. It has an exquisite chapel

The Drum Castle chapel, Drumoak, Aberdeenshire. Photo by Rosser1954. .

There existed an old church at first. In the 1500s, the Irvine family modified it to create the chapel.  Its west window was widened, making it look bigger. A cross was also put up, and the church got a new roof.

Alexander Forbes Irvine of Drum oversaw its restoration during the 19th century.  Inside the chapel is a beautiful stained window. It still stands today and may be hired for weddings by the members of the public.

9. The Irvin family had ownership of the Drum Castle for 650 years

For over 21 generations, the castle’s possession never left the Irvine clan. Robert the Bruce had granted it to his arms bearer William de Irywn in the 14^th century. William had been at King Robert’s side in many wars, the most famous one being the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. 

As a reward for his endearing service, King Robert gave him the  Royal Forest of Oaks and its adjoining Drum Castle in 1323. From that point on, it remained in possession of the Irvine family.

10. It is now governed by the National Trust of Scotland

Henry Quentin Irvine gave the castle up to the Trust in his will. It devolved to the Trust in 1975 for its management, preservation, and governance.

The Drum Castle is indeed a sight to behold, with its great view of the countryside from the tower. Now open to the public, it’s an incredible site to visit.