Durn (site of)

Durn House is a late 18th century mansion however it is built on or near the site of the old fortalice of Durn.

In the late 15th century Durn was held by Alexander Berclay of Mathers, held from William Keith, Earl Marischal. In 1493 Berclay infefted James Ogilvy of Desfurd in the lands of Durn.

In 1512 Sir William Ogilvy of Stratherne took possession of Durn, again held from the Earl Marischal. Durn passed to his eldest son, John, who was married to Elizabeth Dunbar, daughter of Sir James Dunbar of Cumnock. John died at the battle of Pinkiecleugh in 1547 and their eldest son, Alexander died in 1555, so in 1558 their eldest daughter, Margaret, succeeded to the family’s properties. She married Thomas Menzies of the family of Pitfoddels after which he was styled Thomas Menzies of Durne.

The fortalice of Dorne is on record in 1592 and it’s thought that the Menzies family were responsible for building or remodelling it as within the stairwell of the present house is a reset stone carved with the date 1605, and to the north-east of the building is a 17th century doocot.

Durn was later bought by the Ogilvie-Grants of the Seafield Estate and used as the estate factor’s house until around 1985 when it was sold. The house was later operated as a wedding venue.