The distillery was founded in 1824 by Captain Robert Barclay at Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire.  Barclay was a local member of Parliament and it was through his connections he was granted permission by King William IV to use "Royal" in the name of his whisky. 'Glenury' comes from the glen which travels through the Ury district.

 

1857	Purchased by William Ritchie (Glasgow)
1938	Sold to Associated Scottish Distillers
1953	Acquired by Distiller Company Ltd (DCL) and subsequently operated by Scottish Malt Distillers Ltd. (SMD)
1965-66	Renovated and 2 more stills added

 

 

Malting production at the distillery was stopped in 1968 and the distillery was mothballed on 31th May 1985. The decision to cease definitely production of whisky was taken in 1992, and the buildings were sold to an estate company.