The History of the Lovat Arms Hotel
Honouring Our Heritage
The Story of the Lovat Arms Hotel
Located in the scenic and historic village of Beauly, the Lovat Arms Hotel is a classic Victorian building dating back to around 1870. Originally built to welcome guests visiting the area for the renowned sporting pursuits on the Lovat Estates, the hotel has remained a cherished part of Highland hospitality for generations.
The building retains its traditional character, with many well-appointed rooms featuring local clan tartans throughout. All of our comfortable rooms are en-suite and include complimentary Wi-Fi, TV, and tea and coffee making facilities to make you feel right at home.
The hotel has been owned and run by the Fraser family since 1988 and proudly serves fresh, locally sourced food, with produce from the family’s own farm regularly appearing on the menu.
Our welcoming restaurant is open to both residents and non-residents, as well as returning expats who are always invited to sample our Highland fare or enjoy a drink in the bar while reminiscing about old times.
Beauly is also home to Blazin’ in Beauly, one of the UK’s leading fiddle festivals, and the Lovat Arms is proud to be at the heart of it all. We are delighted to welcome talented artists and music lovers back year after year during the October holidays for this celebrated event.
The village itself is steeped in history. As the principal village of Clan Fraser, Beauly is home to the beautiful ruins of Beauly Priory, which dates back to the 1200s. The distinctive village square, designed by Lord Lovat, was originally created to hold cattle before they were loaded onto ships, once making it the widest street in the UK.
Legend has it that Beauly was given its name by Mary Queen of Scots, who is said to have exclaimed “Beau lieu”, meaning “beautiful place”, when she visited the area.
Perfectly situated at the end of Strathglass, Beauly is the gateway to some of the Highlands’ most breathtaking glens, including Glen Affric, Strathfarrar, and Glen Cannich, with Tomich and Plodda Falls being particular highlights. Just 12 miles from Inverness and Loch Ness, Beauly is an excellent base for touring the Highlands, with easy access to the North Coast 500 and routes north, east, and west.
Whether you’re tracing family roots, exploring Outlander connections, or simply browsing the village’s eclectic mix of shops, from Campbell’s Tweed House and Iain Marr Antiques to Alder Arts and the local Morrison’s store, Beauly promises an unforgettable Highland experience for every visitor.
