Work to protect one of Scotland’s oldest landmarks has been completed.
The mediaeval tower at Drum Castle, near Banchory, has undergone a £700,000 revamp to repair structural problems.
Now the 700-year-old tower has been unveiled for the first time in a year after the scaffolding was removed.
During the project, archaeologists discovered two chambers that had lain hidden for at least 150 years. They will carry out further investigations later this month.
The refurbishment of the 13th century tower involved removing cement pointing and replacing it with traditional, breathable lime mortar. Other repairs were also carried out.
Drum property manager Alison Burke said: “It is fantastic to see the stunning tower back at its best. After all this expert care and attention, we are confident it will remain standing for at least another 700 years.”
Now work is under way inside the lower hall of the tower to reopen the Victorian library, which boasts a collection of antique books and artworks including the trust’s oldest book – a 15th century Tuscan edition of Livy’s History of Rome – which were all wrapped up to protect them during the refurbishment.
Drum Castle, the seat of the chief of Clan Irvine for centuries, has the oldest keep in Scotland and is the oldest intact building in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.
The castle and its grounds were granted to William de Irwyn in 1325 by King Robert the Bruce, and remained in the possession of the clan until 1975.
Funding for the project was awarded by the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, made possible by the support of an anonymous donor, and Historic Scotland.