While it might lack the fairy tale-lines of some of the north-east’s ancient strongholds, Drum Castle has seen more history than most.
Its story stretches back more than 700 years when the Tower of Drum – the brooding medieval tower house at the heart of the estate – was granted by Robert the Bruce to William de Irwyn.
The estate, close to Drumoak, stayed in the possession of Clan Irvine until the 1970s.
Over the course of its history, a beautiful chapel was built in the grounds in the 1500s, while a large wing was added to the castle itself in 1619. More alterations were made in the Victorian age.
Today the building is in the hands of the National Trust For Scotland and is a huge draw for visitors and tourists, not only as a historic monument in its own right, but a venue for fairs, events and weddings.
Join us as we take a look back at Drum Castle over the years.
This atmospheric photograph from 1976 clearly shows how the original Tower of Drum – with its 12ft thick walls – still stands guard over the castle itself.
Drum Castle has hosted many events and visitors over the years, drawing in crowds of tourists. Here, members of the Banchory-Ternan Morris Men perform in the ancient grounds in 1985.
The castle’s Walled Garden is a riot of colourful blooms and scented roses in summer… but it can take on a tranquil beauty in the grip of winters snows, as this photo from 2004 shows.
Drum Castle was still inhabited as family home in 1954 when this aerial photograph showed it at its best, with rolling Royal Deeside beyond.
Small is beautiful as the 500-year-old Chapel of Drum proves in this photograph from 1976.
