History | The Drum Estate

History

The Drum was owned by the Somerville family for nearly 400 years but was sold on the death of the 13th Lord Somerville after his son got on the wrong side of the Jacobite Rebellion and emigrated to the United States.

The Estate was broken up and sold a couple of times before it was bought in 1862 by John More Nisbett of Cairnhill. He then started the process of buying back parts of the original estate land and this now forms the majority of the current estate.

1700s - New Beginnings

Drum House (or as it was previously known Somerville House) was a Scottish Tower House until 1725 when James 13th Lord Somerville and his wife commissioned William Adam to build them a Palladian Mansion. The house was Adam’s first solo commission and he went on to build over 200 houses across Scotland. The Drum is particularly well known for its Rococo plasterwork.

The estate was sold in 1760 and was broken up.

1800s

The remains of the Estate and house were bought by Robert Cathcart in 1806 and he sold it to the More Nisbett family in 1860. The various parcels of land were bought back into the estate by the More Nisbetts who also invested in further cottages, gardens and woodland.

1900s

The Estate continued to thrive during the 20th Century and was a major part of both the Gilmerton and Danderhall communities.

In 1955 Queen Elizabeth visited the Drum for a Garden Party

In 1959 Sheila More Nisbett formed the Drum Riding for the Disabled which became the founding member of the national Riding for the Disabled Association.

2000s

The More Nisbett family are still responsible for looking after the estate and are continuing the legacy of integration with the local community and providing a naturally beautiful and safe place to visit, live and work.

They have diversified the business interests of the estate and their tenants do everything from processing Edinburgh’s green waste to fixing antique clocks.

We are constantly reviewing our practices to do our part in addressing the Climate Emergency.

We have an active biodiversity and woodland plan to preserve and improve Edinburgh’s largest woodland area.

We have changed to regenerative farming practices to improve the soil health, capture carbon and reduce our use of herbicides and chemicals.

Ongoing Renovation Work

Work on the house and estate is always on going. The house is a Grade 1 listed building and needs constant work and upkeep. Many of the buildings and structures on the estate are also listed and require thorough maintenance and renovation.