Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on Lord Lovats and the Wardlaw Mausoleum near Inverness. This includes information on the mystery of the headless corpse.

Summary facts and information

• Located at Kirkhill, about 8 miles west of Inverness and near to the popular town of Beauly.
• Built 1634 as burial place of Lord Lovats, Lovat Clan Chiefs.
• The tower added in 1722.
• The building has become a minor visitor attraction due to connection with the ‘Outlander‘ TV series.
• Beneath the floor is a crypt containing Lovat coffins. One of the coffins contains a headless skeleton which has long been speculated as that of ‘Simon the Fox’. This was the 11th Lord Lovat, who was executed in 1747 for fighting with the Jacobite army at Culloden. This battle took place in 1746 with the acts of Jacobite supporters being deemed treasonable.
• The result of a scientific examination to identify the headless skeleton features in the second section of narrative below.
• The Mausoleum is in good condition, having benefited from a recent restoration project.

Update on identity of headless body.

Identity of the headless body is of great interest to ‘Outlander’ fans. This because the clan chief is the grandfather of the fictional Jamie Fraser.

Analysis of the remains was undertaken by Professor Dame Sue Black, a forensic anthropologist. Outcome was the remains have been determined to be those of a woman in her twenties or thirties. DNA testing is not possible due to the poor condition of the bones. However, more information has been revealed.

Bone analysis has determined the young woman’s diet and possible social position.

The woman enjoyed a diet of meat and some fish and shellfish. This suggests that she was from a relatively wealthy background. The diet was similar to someone living in the relatively affluent area of Spitalfields in London at the time.

Thus, the scientific investigation has resolved one mystery but created another. Specifically, what was the rationale for placing the particular female’s body inside an anonymous coffin? Curiouser and curiouser!

More information

The publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland contains an extensive range of information, including filming locations. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.