20thC Restoration

After the Second World War, Duff House remained empty and unused. Over the years, the building seemed to have been forgotten about and by the early 1950s it appeared derelict and uncared for. The external fabric of the building was damaged by the weather and its walls, windows and floors, subjected to years of petty vandalism and theft. In 1956 the building was taken into care by the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Ministry of Works, now Historic Scotland, and in 1988 a public meeting was held to find a suitable future role for the house. Eventually the National Galleries of Scotland offered to provide a loan collection suitable for the house and in 1992 it was decided to create a gallery.

Historic Scotland spent several years and £2 million refurbishing the house by extensively researching the building’s records and accounts, conducting paint scrapes and analysis, followed by a painstaking restoration of the original decorative interiors. Also added to the house were the latest systems in heat and smoke detection, a fire sprinkler system, security and conservation measures and a lift, providing much needed public access to the building.

On 28th June 1995 Duff House Country Gallery was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay KT. The grand opening was attended by representatives of four partner organisations who had come together to save Duff House for future generations. Today, Duff House is managed by Aberdeenshire Council together with Historic Scotland who maintain the building on behalf of the Scottish Government and the National Galleries of Scotland.

What to do with such a magnificent building has been debated ever since the Duff family left the House in 1906, but now the house is enjoying a new lease of life with wonderful paintings on display in its rooms. Visitors of all ages can enjoy an active events and exhibitions programme inside and out, in the beautiful setting of the Duff House grounds.