Druminnor Excavations

Excavations at Druminnor Castle have been continuing for seven years and, hopefully, will continue into an eighth this spring. Druminnor was the original base of the powerful Lords of Forbes from where they governed their extensive estates in the North-east. Though ‘Castle Forbes’ in Keig has been the family seat since the early 19th century, Druminnor was the centre of operations from at least the 13th century through to the end of the 18th.

However, the recent excavations have pushed the date of settlement of the site back to the mid 12th century by the discovery of a grain drying kiln that had been destroyed by fire at that time. The charred remains have provided important environmental evidence for the management of the surrounding landscape at that time. The excavations have also revealed the developing plan of the castle through the following seven centuries and has given us a view of its turbulent history. (It suffered many forceful visits from the neighbouring Gordons!)

Druminor Castle is a private residence and excavations are by kind permission of the owner.

Volunteers wishing to help with the excavations are welcome to find out more by contacting: info@bailiesofbennachie.co.uk.

Please see more details on our Archaeology section.