Dufftown

Dufftown is an attractive and historic village in Moray situated on the River Fiddich. Built by James Duff, 4th Earl of Fife in 1817, Dufftown was originally planned as a settlement for soldiers returning home from the Napoleonic Wars. Today, this attractive Highland burgh is known for its connections to the malt whisky industry as well as its fascinating history and striking scenery.

Homes in Dufftown

Dufftown is primarily built up of detached, spacious properties and traditional cottages. However, there are also many semi-detached and terraced homes in the village. There are fantastic local schools nearby, with Mortlach Primary offering onsite nursery units and Speyside High School just a 10-minute drive away - with regular buses running to and from the school.

Things to do in Dufftown

The area is also well equipped with amenities, with grocery stores, a post office and pharmacies as well as several specialist shops and cafes. There are many opportunities to eat out in the Dufftown and Keith area with everything from traditional pub food to exciting new Indian restaurants.

Dufftown’s focal point is its village square, where the distinctive and imposing clock tower (originally a prison) houses the Tourist Information Board. Not far from the village square, Dufftown Whisky and Heritage Centre offers visitors the chance to find out more about the history of whisky making in Speyside.

The village is widely considered to be the heart of the Speyside whisky-producing region, and has long held the reputation of being the malt whisky capital of the world.  The village certainly isn’t short of whisky producers – there are six operating distilleries in and around the village itself with more located a short distance away, including the world famous Glenfiddich; a major employer in the area. Its excellent visitor centre is also open to the public throughout the year.

It’s no surprise then that there are many great local pubs and bars where connoisseurs can sample some of the best whisky in the world.

Dufftown offers a good range of outdoor activities, with plenty of walking routes, including the Craigellachie to Ballindalloch section of the Speyside Way. The village is also known for its annual Highland Games, which have taken place since 1982, and remain popular today - with a wide programme of events including pipe bands and Highland dancing. Hidden amongst the breath-taking Speyside scenery, golfers will find the 18-hole Dufftown Golf Club.

There are also a number of castles to explore with one of the more popular being Balvenie. The surprisingly large structure is set amongst beautiful woodland and offers visitors a real glimpse of the area’s rich history. Likewise, Auchindoun Castle stands on a hilltop and was part of an Iron-age fort, providing an ideal backdrop to family walks. 

Set in beautiful countryside and surrounded by rolling hills, Dufftown is well situated – with Elgin, Huntly and Keith all easily within reach. The 11-mile heritage railway linking Dufftown to Keith provides magnificent views of the countryside, known for its wildlife including foxes, buzzards and heron.

Schools in Dufftown

Mortlach Primary School has around 135 pupils and is situated at the heart of the village. This convenient location makes it easy to get to and from almost anywhere in Dufftown. The school also has a small nursery on site. Mortlach Primary feeds into Speyside High School, which is a 6-mile drive from Dufftown in the neighbouring village of Aberlour. A free bus service is available to students within the catchment area making it easy for children to get to school from Dufftown.

Thinking about moving to Dufftown? Let ASPC help. ASPC provides a comprehensive listing of properties including homes for sale and flats to rent in Dufftown. Our homes range in size from one-bed flats to large family homes - use our property finder to discover what’s currently available. If you are looking for somewhere to retire, we also have a diverse list of retirement properties in Dufftown.