REGIMENTAL MUSEUM OF THE HIGHLANDERS, INVERNESS
Once the Cameron and Seaforth, then the Queens Own museum, now it's the Highlanders Regimental museum, echoing the changes in the modern British Army. As a Regiment Allied to it, some information on the Lovat Scouts can be found here. Situated at Fort George, in old officers quarters, Ardersier, near Inverness, it's open
April-September Daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
October-March Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Christmas-New Year.
The Yeomanry Regiment of the Lovat Scouts was raised by Simon Joseph Fraser 16th Lord Lovat, in January 1900, for use in the Boer War in South Africa. He recognised the unique qualities of the Highlander and they operated as teams of scouts, penetrating miles behind the enemy lines without assistance. Mounted on garrons, not horses, they were ideal for the job. However, changing war methods had their role changed and they were sent into Gallipoli, unmounted, in WWI but they did serve in their proper role as spotters and sharpshooters and saved many lives as they covered the allies in the retreat from Suvla Bay, some say it was their greatest achievement, as not one Allied life was lost.
Many thanks to the Highlanders regimental museum for the information given to us and the image.
Photo is of King George VI and the Royal family with the Sergeants of the Lovat Scouts, Balmoral 1943.
WARDLAW MAUSOLEUM & LOVAT CASTLE, NEAR BEAULY
For many years the Wardlaw Mausoleum was the burial place of Lord Lovats, after Lord Hugh, ignored the traditional burial ground at Beauly abbey and buried his father Simon Lord Lovat in Kirkhill, at the East end of the church, in 1632. It was completed 1634/5 but fell into disrepair and a major renovation took place at the end of the last century and it was reopened in 1998. A number of mural plaques, to the various Fraser branches, are to be seen on the walls, including one to Rev James Fraser of Phopachy, the author of the Wardlaw Manuscripts but the most famous is the memorial raised by Simon, the Red Fox, to his father Thomas, 10th Lord Lovat. Below there is a crypt, a private burial chamber, where, the Red Fox and his immediate family are buried. It isn't certain he is in there, after his beheading at the Tower of London, it is said his body was smuggled back. Whether or not this was achieved is open to debate.
From the tower there are stunning views over, what was Lovat Castle but you can only see outlines, to the Beauly Firth. There was a field in front of the Castle where the Frasers of Lovat would have assembled, their war-cry A'Mhorfhaich was taken from it.
Directions: it's signed 8 miles West of Inverness, on the main Beauly-Inverness road, open April-September, Wednesdays AND Saturdays, 11-12 and 2-4. Admission is free.
COMMANDO MONUMENT, SPEAN BRIDGE
Simon Fraser, 17th Lord Lovat, 1911-1995, was a famous commando leader, remembered for his D Day landing with his personal piper; he was wounded soon after and awarded the Distinguished Service Order and Military Cross. This evocative memorial is set in stunning scenery, on the main road to Inverness at Spean Bridge, North of Fort William.
.jpg)
.jpg)
