Inchdrewer in its landscape
I have photographed Inchdrewer Castle several times over the years, usually around harvest time, when the surrounding fields make access a little easier.
There is something particularly compelling about viewing the castle silhouette above the harvested landscape. Almost five centuries after its construction, it still has a remarkable presence and remains a dominant feature of its surroundings.
I often wonder how many of the buildings we construct today will still be standing, commanding the landscape, five centuries from now.
Sir Walter Ogilvie of Dunlugas, or possibly his son, Sir George Ogilvie, purchased Inchdrewer Castle from the Curror family in 1557. A later family member, Lord Banff, lived at Inchdrewer in 1642, and the castle remained associated with the family until 1713, when Lord Banff was killed in a fire at the castle.
Despite this, Inchdrewer remained occupied and was still lived in as late as 1836. Undated proposals for the castle by the architect Oliver Hill survive in the RIBA Drawings Collection.
In 1971, Robin Mirrlees de la Lanne purchased Inchdrewer Castle and undertook a partial restoration. A plaque dated 1971 records the work and names J. Lamb as architect and A. Walker as builder.
Standing on a rise above the surrounding farmland, Inchdrewer still commands impressive views across the countryside towards Banff Bay.
Historical information: Historic Scotland.
