Two Clan Irvine Chieftains installed at Drum Castle
Two Honorary Chieftains of the Name and Arms of Irvine of Drum have been formally installed at Drum Castle during a special visit this summer marking 50 years of National Trust for Scotland stewardship of the historic Aberdeenshire estate. The ceremony took place in the castle library, where Alexander Irvine of Drum, 27th Chief, Baron of Drum and Laird o’ Drum, installed Captain James Irvine and Albert A. Thomson as Honorary Chieftains in recognition of their significant contributions to preserving and advancing knowledge of Clan Irvine history and heritage. The appointments formed part of a gathering of the family and the National Trust for Scotland commemorating half a century since the castle entered the care of the conservation charity.
The installations are the first such appointments of their kind made in the history of the Clan and the House of Drum. In 1964, Henry Quentin Forbes-Irvine, Great-Uncle of the current laird, entered into an agreement that would see Drum Castle and 411 acres of the immediate policies around the castle pass to the Trust following his death. The Trust was given entry to the Castle on 28 May 1976 and the castle formally opened to visitors later that year. The anniversary carried personal significance for the Irvine family, with Alexander Irvine of Drum having attended the handover as a young boy and his own son, Isaac, present at the ceremony, linking three generations of the family to both milestones in the recent history of the castle and the clan.
For more than 650 years, Drum Castle served as the seat of the Irvine family, granted to William de Irwyn by Robert the Bruce in the 14th century. One of Scotland’s oldest tower houses, Drum remains a significant historic site for both Clan Irvine and Scotland’s heritage. Captain James Irvine, previously serving as Drum Senneschal, is now Drum Sennachie and Honorary Chieftain in recognition for services rendered to Clan Irvine and the House of Drum. James is author of The Irwin Surname and a subsequent history of the Irvines of Orkney, genealogy of Washington Irving, and his leadership of the Clan Irwin Surname DNA Study.
The heart of Clan Irvine
Alexander Irvine of Drum
Albert Thomson, the current Drum Herald, is now Honorary Chieftain and Makar to the House of Drum. Albert has undertaken extensive research into Irvine family heraldry and is preparing a new Drum Armorial of the House of Drum, documenting the heraldic connections to the House of Drum. He has also recently published a book of poems, written in Doric, and inspired by the Irvines o’ Drum. Both were recognised for their scholarly research and contributions to Clan Irvine heritage and Gordon Casely, the Drum Herald Emeritus was in attendance to witness the ceremony.
Alexander Irvine of Drum said: “This was a special day on which we celebrated the appointment of two new Chieftains for Clan Irvine and the House of Drum as well as recognising the important work done by the National Trust for Scotland in preserving Drum Castle as a major tourist attraction for Aberdeenshire. I would like to thank the outgoing Representative, Laurie Cassels, for her sterling work over the last four years at Drum as well as all the staff and volunteers who take such care and pride in looking after Drum. Special thanks must go to the team who take care of the Royal Forest of Drum and the Rose Garden, both of which are tremendous assets to the local community as places of peace and tranquillity.”
Iain Hawkins, the National Trust for Scotland’s Regional Director for the North East, added: “Representing the National Trust for Scotland at the ceremony was an honour, continuing our warm friendship with Alexander and Clan Irvine. For centuries, Drum has stood at the heart of Clan Irvine and played an important role in Scotland’s story. As Scotland’s largest independent conservation charity, the Trust greatly values this remarkable place, caring for the castle and estate, and finding new ways to share it with future generations.”
Drum Castle, Garden and Estate is situated near Peterculter, Aberdeenshire, and has strong associations with the Irvine family stretching back more than 650 years. The National Trust for Scotland has cared for Drum Castle since 1976.