Drummond Castle Gardens

Although accounts are sparse, there is good evidence to support a long history of gardening at Drummond castle - ever since the first Lord Drummond built on land granted to him in the late 15th century. The gardens supplied cherries for James IV in 1508 when he was hunting in the Glen Artney Forest.

The gardens you see today were probably already of some significance in 1630, since Mylne's sundial was put in position in that year. Early in the 19th century, both the parterre and formal terracing in front of the castle were re-established, that principally being the work of Lewis Kennedy. Queen Victoria visited Drummond Castle in 1842. She and Prince Albert "walked in the garden which is really very fine, with terraces, like an old French garden".

From the east gateway on the Crieff Muthill road, visitors drive up the long beech avenue to the car park and then walk to the Castle. From the top of the terracing the full extent and majesty of the garden is suddenly revealed. The dominant feature of the parterre design is a St Andrew's Cross with the multiplex 17th century sundial at its centre.

A strong north-south axis runs through the garden, down the impressive flight of steps to the sundial, through the classical archway and kitchen garden beyond, cutting a swathe through woodland before rising to the top of the opposing hillside. This idea of drawing the countryside into the garden is essentially French; however, Drummond is an eclectic garden also rooted firmly in the Italian style with its fountains, terracing, urns and statuary.

General Information:

• Castle not open
• Ample parking for cars and coaches

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