Wardlaw Mausoleum

The Lovat burial aisle

The mausoleum was built in 1634 onto the end of the old Wardlaw Church, and extended in 1722 by Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat, known as the Old Fox. It served the Lovats of Beaufort as their burial place until 1826. Inside are a carved balustrade with the Lovat arms, a vault of lead coffins and a memorial to Thomas Lord Fraser of Lovat. It is a Category A listed building.

The Old Fox mystery

Simon Fraser was beheaded in London after the 1745 Jacobite Rising and officially buried at the Tower of London, but a long-held belief says his body was brought home to Wardlaw. A 2018 investigation of a lead coffin here found a headless woman instead, so the question remains open. In the Outlander stories he appears as Jamie Fraser's grandfather, and many visitors come for that link.

Planning a visit

The mausoleum stands in a walled burial ground on Wardlaw Road above Kirkhill, with the footings of the old church beside it. In 2025 Lord Lovat handed it to the Aird Community Trust, which now runs it. Combine it with Craig Phadrig's hillfort walk on the way back to Inverness.

Highlights

• Built in 1634, extended in 1722
• Burial place of the Lovat Frasers
• Category A listed
• Outlander connection through the 'Old Fox'
• Donation-only entry

Good to know

• Opens on set days and for pre-arranged visits only; check before travelling.
• Entry is by donation.
• It is at Kirkhill, about 10 km west of Inverness, so you will need a car or tour.

Frequently asked questions