BC and again by the Picts around AD 400. This project formed part of the Hill forts of Strathdon Project Another ancient site is Sheldon Stone Circle which is about to the south-east of Oldmedrum. To the north of the village is Meldrum House, a mansion and castle built in the 17th century, and which is now a hotel and golf course. Oldmeldrum Town Hall was completed in 1877. To the east of the village is the Oldmeldrum Golf Club. Founded in 1885, its 14th fairway contains a rock where John Comyn, Earl of Buchan is said to have lain and lamented his loss to Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Barra. In 2006, a 72-year-old golfer died in a bunker on the first hole. Also to the east of Oldmeldrum is the ruined Tolquhon Castle which is noted for its highly ornamented gatehouse. The castle was built between 1584 and 1589 and is now maintained by Historic Scotland; the castle is open to the public during the summer months. Oldmeldrum is home to one of the oldest whisky distilleries in Scotland, Glen Garioch, which was built in 1797. Glen Garioch's visitor centre is open year-round and includes tours of the working distillery. Haddo House, a stately home run by the National Trust for Scotland, is north-east of Oldmeldrum. From Oldmeldrum, there are good views of nearby Bennachie (mountain). Images Transport The A947 road from Aberdeen to Banff runs through the centre of the village. Old Meldrum railway station served Oldmeldrum on a line from Inverurie through Lethenty and Lochter until 1965. Famous residents George Chrystal, a mathematician. Douglas Scott Falconer, a geneticist. William Forsyth, a botanist (yellow forsythia named after him) and ancestor of Bruce Forsyth. The William Forsyth Community Garden opened in Oldmeldrum in 2008. Donald Gordon, a Canadian businessman. William Keith, a California landscape artist Sir Patrick Manson, the founder of the field of tropical medicine, was born at Cromlet Hill, now a guesthouse. George Smith Morris and Willie Kemp, Doric musicians related by marriage. Sir George Watt, botanist in India JJ Bull, Football journalist with The Athletic's TIFO Football, formally with Telegraph Football. Known as The Mallard. References External links Meldrum Online - Community Website Villages in Aberdeenshire