Home > Scotland > Moray > Dufftown > Fernbank House

Fernbank House

Welcome .. to Fernbank House

Built in 1892, Fernbank House is the former Victorian property of James Watson & Company. The wine & spirit merchants who homed their Customs and Excise Manager at Fernbank, to keep a close eye on the activities of Parkmore Distillery opposite.

Sadly closed since 1931, it is rumoured that that the water source became unsuitable for whisky distilling; this along with hefty tax levy's imposed means that today the buildings, whilst well maintained, are only used for storage by the Edrington Group.

That however is not the case for the Glenfiddich and Balvenie distilleries located within a short walk past Balvenie Castle, the advantage being that guests can enjoy their visit and not worry about driving! We do suggest a visit to the Speyside Cooperage prior to your tour though, only fair to see how the barrels that hold all that golden liquor are made.

Dufftown isn't all about Whisky though, it is a hub of activity with a thriving local community who work hard to ensure out Spring and Autumn Whisky Festivals attract people from all over the world, we have a Stramash on Monday evenings where the locals and visitors can enjoy poem and song in true Scottish tradition.
Tuesday evenings you are welcome to watch the Highland dancers practice.
On Thursdays through the summer there are Ceilidhs where the brave can dance a few reels, and the Dufftown pipeband often entertain ater practice in the square, a heart warming site and a real piece of Scotland.

We also host a spectacular Highland games on the last Saturday of July, this 500 hundred year old tradition is one of many games held in Speyside through the summer.

Christmas & New Year are special here too, our celebrations twinned with some good local skiing attract an increasing amount of visitors who traditionally gather at the clock tower for a wee dram shortbread and a display of fireworks to welcome the New Year in.

Whatever your interests Speyside has something for you and Dufftown is the ideal base with Fernbank House as an excellent choice for your accommodation, we realise you have a choice, our aim is to assure you that you have made the right one.