Banffshire, and the entire Moray area for that matter, is one of the best example of the charm that makes Scotland so endearing to the rest of the world. The unique and lovable traits of the nation are exemplified wonderfully in this region and the small burg of Dufftown can be seen as the little cultural hub from which all this lovable activity originates. Don't let its imposing clock tower scare you off; Dufftown is nothing if not enjoyable and the fascinating architecture is but an introduction to the world you enter as soon as you step foot on the soil of Dufftown.
It is almost impossible not to notice the clock tower. After all, the road plan of Dufftown ensures that all roads lead to it and long ago the tower actually served as a prison. Thankfully it is just a tourist center these days and it is the perfect place to visit as you begin your trek around the downtown area. Balvenie Castle is another must-see. This marvelous ruin dates back all the way to the 1100s, when it was built by a powerful clan in the area known as the Black Comyns. In those days the castle was known as Mortlach Castle and this is fitting since in those days Dufftown was in fact known as Mortlach. It didn't become Dufftown until the 1800s. The reason for the switch was because Mortlach was essentially built up into a modern-day town by the Earl of Fife when he used the town as a resting area for injured troops. He must have not cared for the old name, though, and so he used his power to forever reclaim the area as Dufftown. All the same, the gorgeous architecture from the Mortlach days can still be seen in many areas and thus Dufftown is a popular destination for history buffs who revel in the relics from Scotland's past.
The real appeal of Dufftown, however, is not history but whisky. Sure enough, Dufftown is widely considered to be the whisky capital of the world. A sign just outside of the town actually says these very words and, while it would be tough to declare the most prolific whisky town in the entire planet, Dufftown most assuredly makes more whisky than any other location in Scotland. This powerful distinction could have only arisen after the Earl of Fife built up Dufftown into a productive town and so whisky fans from all around have him to thank. Among the many prominent distillers in Dufftown, Glenfiddich is perhaps the best known and is also the largest employer in the town. There are over six active distillers operating in Dufftown as of now and there is no reason that more won't be coming in the future. Many of these companies offer tours of their buildings and, not surprisingly, this means plenty of visitors nearly all year round. The ultimate vacation, however, would be to visit a distillery and then wander through Dufftown and gaze upon the many beautiful buildings that permeate the town.
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