Wardlaw Mausoleum
A 17th‑century clan mausoleum near Inverness, where Highland history, Jacobite intrigue, and architectural beauty meet in a quiet churchyard.
Hidden in a quiet churchyard near Inverness, Wardlaw Mausoleum is a 17th‑century A‑listed burial chamber for the powerful Lovat Fraser clan. Built in 1634, this circular stone tower served as the final resting place for the Lords Lovat, including the infamous ‘Old Fox’ of the Jacobite rising. Inside, intricate plaques and a barrel‑vaulted crypt with lead‑lined coffins tell stories of Highland loyalty, rebellion, and mystery. The mausoleum is now carefully restored, with a small tower offering sweeping views over the Beauly Firth and the surrounding farmland once mustered by the Frasers.
A brief summary to Wardlaw Mausoleum
- Wardlaw Rd, Inverness, Kirkhill, IV5 7NB, GB
- +441463831742
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Contact the local keyholder in advance or visit during advertised opening hours to ensure access to the interior and crypt, as the mausoleum is not always open.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes as the churchyard paths can be uneven and grassy, especially after rain.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer visitors, ideal for photography and quiet reflection.
- Bring a small donation; the site is maintained by a local trust and relies on visitor contributions for ongoing preservation.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
From Inverness city centre, follow the A9 south for about 8 miles, then take the exit for Kirkhill. Continue on the A862 for roughly 2 miles into the village. Follow signs for Wardlaw Road, turn left, and the mausoleum is a short distance along on the right, within Wardlaw Graveyard. Limited informal parking is available nearby along the road.
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Bus
From Inverness bus station, take a bus towards Kirkhill (such as service 4) and alight at the Kirkhill village centre stop. Walk along the main road for about 400 metres, then turn left onto Wardlaw Road. The mausoleum is a short walk ahead on the right, within the churchyard. Journey time is around 25–35 minutes depending on service frequency.
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Taxi
A taxi from central Inverness to Wardlaw Mausoleum takes about 15–20 minutes and costs roughly £15–20. Ask the driver to drop you at Wardlaw Road in Kirkhill, near the churchyard entrance, for easy access to the site.
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Walking from Kirkhill
If staying in Kirkhill village, follow the main road towards Wardlaw Road and continue for about 15 minutes on foot. The path is mostly flat but can be uneven in places; wear sturdy shoes, especially after rain, as the churchyard is grassy and unpaved.
Wardlaw Mausoleum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Wardlaw Mausoleum
A Tower of Clan Memory
Rising from a peaceful churchyard in Kirkhill, Wardlaw Mausoleum is a striking circular tower that once stood at the end of the old parish church. Built in 1634 as the burial place for the Lovat Fraser chiefs, it replaced the traditional resting ground at Beauly Abbey and became the symbolic heart of the clan’s power in the Lovat lands. The mausoleum’s thick stone walls and distinctive form reflect the status of the Frasers, one of the most influential Highland families, whose alliances and rebellions shaped the region’s history. Over the centuries, it housed generations of clan leaders, their names recorded on elaborate wall plaques that trace the branches of the Fraser family across the Highlands.The Crypt and the ‘Old Fox’
The barrel‑vaulted crypt beneath the mausoleum holds six lead‑lined coffins, including a double‑lined one traditionally said to contain Simon Fraser, the 11th Lord Lovat, known as the ‘Old Fox’ of the Jacobite rising. After supporting Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745, he was captured, tried for treason, and beheaded on Tower Hill in London in 1747 – the last peer of the realm to suffer that fate. Whether his body was secretly returned to the Highlands and placed here remains one of Scotland’s enduring mysteries; recent examination of bones in the coffin has only deepened the enigma. Alongside his, the crypt holds the poignant coffin of an infant, John Fraser, marking the end of this line of the family and adding a quiet, human dimension to the grand clan narrative.Architecture and Restoration
The mausoleum’s original 17th‑century structure was later heightened and crowned with a small tower in 1722 by the ‘Old Fox’ himself, transforming it into a watch‑tower style monument. Its mix of Gothic and classical elements, fine stonework, and unusual diagonal flagstone floor make it a remarkable example of Scottish funerary architecture. After falling into disrepair in the 19th century, the building was rescued in the 1990s by the Wardlaw Mausoleum Trust with support from Historic Scotland and lottery funding. Today, this Grade A‑listed gem is carefully maintained, with visitors able to climb the narrow tower stairs for panoramic views over the Beauly Firth and the rich farmland once mustered by the Frasers.Visiting the Site
Wardlaw Mausoleum is open seasonally, typically from April to September on specific afternoons, and entry is free though donations are welcome to support upkeep. Access to the interior and crypt is by arrangement with the local keyholder, usually via a cottage at the entrance to the graveyard. The surrounding churchyard is peaceful and atmospheric, dotted with older gravestones and the remnants of the original church, whose stones were reused in the present Kirkhill church. The site is particularly evocative for those interested in Highland history, Jacobite stories, and clan genealogy, and it has also gained attention from fans of historical fiction and screen adaptations set in 18th‑century Scotland.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the architecture buff
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For the social media creator & influencer
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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