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 walled garden is divided into quadrants that show how garden design has developed from the 17th to the 20th century, with an especial focus on roses.

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.