The Irvines of Drum
Perhaps the more distinguished of the Irvings & Irvines in Scotland are the Irvines of Drum, at Drum Castle in Aberdeenshire.
The Irvines of Drum are considered to be a separate Clan by virtue of their geographical, historical and economic isolation from the Irvings & Irvines in the Lowlands. To be realistic, the Irvings in the Lowlands and Irvines of Drum are two Clans but one family from a common ancestral background. This is not a new precedent but is accepted for many larger, and divided Clans, such as the Campbells, Macdonalds, Macleans &c.
This theory has been investigated by James Irvine-Fortescue of Kingcausie in his treatise “Memorandum on the Origins of the Family of Irvine of Drum” (July 2000), a well researched and thorough document.
The researched theory gives a strong indication that the first Irvine of Drum most probably originated from the south-west of Scotland but that there is NO further connection between the Irvines of Drum and the Irvings & Irvines in the Lowlands. One must not forget, of course, that the Irvines of Drum were granted lands of the Forest of Drum some time before the Irvings of Bonshaw came to prominence and expanded their influence in the Lowlands of Scotland.
This theory was acknowledged and endorsed by David Irvine 26th Baron of Drum in August 2000.
Historically, the Irvines of Drum were founded by a grant of part of the Forest of Drum and by Royal Charter in 1323. No less than six lairds of Drum have been knighted; two successive lairds offered the Earldom of Aberdeen by Charles I and Charles II but finally declined. The 24th Baron of Drum entered into an agreement with the National Trust of Scotland whereby on his death the property passed to the Trust for preservation. David Irvine of Drum 26th Baron lives in a property once owned by the estate.