Drumin: Tower House, Rivers and Whisky History

Drumin combines a medieval tower house with distinctive river scenery near Glenlivet. Drumin Castle overlooks the confluence of the Livet and Avon; its surviving features also give the place a distinct architectural character. The Drumin Circular Path crosses a large wooden footbridge into Drumin Woods, and behind the castle is a walled community orchard. The building’s history, river scenery and woodland each offer a different focus for a stay in Drumin.

Drumin Castle and its history

Drumin Castle is a medieval tower house, probably built in the late 14th century by a member of the Stewart family. Elements of a corbelled structure and fragments of the parapet wall survive at the top of the walls. On the ground floor, the building retains a barrel vault; window openings and fireplaces also remain, some with their mouldings intact. The architectural details therefore range from the tops of the walls to surviving features inside the ground-floor rooms. When exploring, it is worth looking both at the tops of the walls and at the surviving details inside.

The castle’s location also contributes to its historical significance. Near Glenlivet, it overlooks the confluence of the Livet and Avon. It was also positioned to command important valleys and river crossings on the Avon and Dee. The river scenery at the confluence and the strategic importance of the valleys offer two different perspectives on Drumin Castle: its visible surroundings and the site’s historical function.

River crossing, woodland and orchard

The Drumin Circular Path starts at the Drumin Castle car park, crosses the river via a large wooden footbridge and leads into Drumin Woods. The river crossing and the path into the woods give the outing a different focus from the tower house’s architectural features. Those who would rather spend their time moving through the landscape than exploring architecture will find a clear alternative to the castle here.

Behind Drumin Castle, Glenlivet Community Orchard is located in the walled garden. On sunny days, it serves as a picnic spot. The garden therefore combines a visit to the castle with a break outdoors, when the weather is sunny. The orchard complements the building’s history and woodland walk with a quieter focus for the day.

Another historical note

Another trace of history leads to the old distillery at Upper Drumin Farm. It operated from 1824 to 1859. This provides a contrast in dates with the probably late-medieval tower house: the distillery belongs to the 19th century and adds a connection to the area’s whisky history. For travellers interested in whisky history as well as architecture, it offers another way to explore Drumin.

Visiting and getting there

The stabilised ruins of Drumin near Glenlivet can be explored free of charge as a historic site. Check local visitor information before travelling. C60H Downan To Drumin Road in Glenlivet is closed from 19 January 2026 to 25 July 2027; check the information from Moray Council immediately before setting off.

Discover more destinations

Knock, Hopeman, Alves, Findochty, Dandalieth, Findhorn, Buckie, Glenlivet

Return to the main travel overview: Moray.