Innerpeffray Castle – an interesting secret!
The castle stands near the small hamlet of Innerpeffray, about four miles southeast of Crieff. Perched on a wooded promontory above the River Earn, the site overlooks an ancient crossing point that has been used for centuries. The ford here still exists today and lies along the route of an old Roman road.
Human activity in the area stretches back almost 4,000 years. Across the river lies the site of Strageath Roman Fort, evidence of Roman military occupation in the region.
The Castle at Innerpeffray
Just south of the village stand the atmospheric ruins of Innerpeffray Castle, a 17th-century L-plan tower house built by Lord Maderty on the site of a former Roman marching camp.
The structure displays many classic features of Scottish tower houses:
- crow-stepped gables
- gun loops for defence
- projecting chimneys
- a vaulted basement
The earlier tower house is thought to have been built around 1590 by Sir Patrick Drummond, who constructed it after the death of his wife Agnes Drummond. Not long afterwards he transferred the estate to his younger brother James.
Around 1610, shortly after becoming Lord Maderty, James expanded and remodelled the tower house, adding larger windows and architectural features typical of the early 17th century.
Did Mary, Queen of Scots Stay Here?
There is also a tantalising possibility that Mary, Queen of Scots once stayed at Innerpeffray.
Some historians suggest she spent the night here on 2 June 1565 while travelling through Perthshire. According to historian E.M. Furgol, she may have been hosted by Patrick Drummond during her journey from the west toward Perth.
However, the evidence is uncertain. Earlier historian D.H. Fleming left the date blank in his reconstruction of Mary’s itinerary, and the exact location mentioned in some records – “Innerpeffray Abbey” – may refer to the castle, the chapel, or even Inchaffray Abbey nearby.
The possible visit occurred during a crucial period in Mary’s reign. Between February and July 1565 she travelled widely seeking support for her marriage to Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, a union that faced strong opposition from Protestant nobles led by her half-brother, the James Stewart, Earl of Moray.
The Drummonds were known supporters of Mary, making it plausible that she stopped at Innerpeffray to reinforce political alliances.
Life Inside the Castle
The castle itself was substantial for its time. The main block runs north–south with a west wing extending from the southern end, forming the typical L-shaped layout.
A square stair tower stands at the inner angle, where the principal entrance once led to a spiral staircase—though the lower section has now collapsed.
Despite its ruinous condition, much of the structure survives:
a vaulted basement
two upper storeys
the remains of attic rooms
The ground floor housed the kitchen and storage areas, while the first floor contained a large hall and private chambers. The upper floor likely included additional bedrooms and a withdrawing room.
Defensive features such as keyhole gun loops can still be seen in the lower walls.
Archaeological evidence also suggests the castle once stood within a defensive courtyard, or barmkin, which extended to the west.
Decline and Ruin
Innerpeffray Castle remained the principal residence of the Lords Maderty until around 1692, when Sir David Drummond, 3rd Lord Maderty, died.
After this the castle was abandoned and gradually fell into ruin.
Today it stands as an evocative reminder of Scotland’s fortified domestic architecture.
A Site of National Importance
Historic Environment Scotland considers the castle nationally important as a well-preserved example of an early-1600s fortified residence.
Its significance is strengthened by its connection to nearby cultural landmarks, including Innerpeffray Library, Scotland’s oldest free public lending library, founded in the late 17th century by the Drummond family.
