Over the following century the neglect continued until some basic external renovation work was undertaken between 1965 and 1971, making the structure wind and water tight, although it remained unoccupied.

Modern day reports suggest that the spirit of the 3rd Lord Banff and that of a white dog haunt the castle, which is classified as a category A listed building.The castle's exact construction date is unknown, but it was some time in the early to mid 16th century, during the reign of either James IV or James V.[1] Various spellings are used: Inch Druar (or Inchdruar as one word); Inchdruer; Inchdrewir; or Inchdrewr.

[4] During the late 16th century, the Dunlugas Ogilvies undertook refurbishment and extension work, including the addition of courtyard buildings and a distinctive circular tower that incorporated the hall into its first storey.

[6] Inchdrewer Castle was left in ruins after being attacked by Covenanter forces led by General Robert Monro in 1640;[7][8] another of the family properties, a town house, was also devastated.

Sir Robert was appointed as a member of Parliament for the Banff constituency in 1812[14] but four years later claimed financial difficulties prevented him seeking re-election.

[21][22] After visiting the property in 1966, Nigel Tranter, author and historian,[23] reported that work had begun on the structure but described it as a "ruinous shell of a house".

Local residents believed the only time the interior was used during this period was when a ceremony was held to site a plaque commemorating the completion of external work in 1971.

[citation needed] Inspections by Aberdeenshire Council officials described it as "showing signs of a lack of maintenance" in February 2008, with all its windows broken.

[27] Together with the title of "Baron of Inchdrewer" the castle ruins were put up for sale in April 2013,[25] and purchased in November 2013 for about £400,000[28][29] by Olga Roh, former Valentino and Versace model and owner of Rohmir.

Access on the west side was gained through a narrow round-headed entrance and a wider main doorway were incorporated in the south elevation.

[citation needed] Twenty-first century newspaper stories report that the ghost of the murdered George Ogilvy, 3rd Lord Banff, haunts the castle.

[18] Nigel Tranter visited Inchdrewer again in the 1970s and a large white dog, which he speculated may have been a Samoyed, bounded out of the castle as he approached it with a local builder.