03 September 2017

Excavations continue at the important Pictish site of Rhynie. The latest news about the project, and where volunteering opportunities should be announced, is at Northern Picts Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups

03 September 2017

As part of Doors Open Day, the Wardlaw Mausoleum in Kirkhill will be open on 2nd and 3rd September.

The burial place of the Lovat Frasers, Wardlaw Mausoleum was erected in 1634 on the gable end of the medieval Wardlaw Parish Church. Built by William Ross, Master Mason, its notable features include a monument to Thomas 11th Lord Lovat and the buckle quoins in the east corner below the belfry which is dated 1722.

There are also six lead coffins in the crypt, including one thought to belong Simon 12th Lord Lovat, The Old Fox, beheaded in London after the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. The building is a popular destination for fans of the Outlander books and TV series as the main character, Jamie Fraser, is a grandson of Simon the Fox.

The mausoleum was renovated by the locally-formed Wardlaw Mausoleum Trust with funding from Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund in 1998. During the works, a fine quatrefoil window, thought to have been dedicated by Euphemia Fraser in 1341, was exposed in the west gable. Guided tours will be available which don't need to be booked in advance.

www.wardlawmausoleum.com

tel 01463 831742

erik.lundberg@btinternet.com

Further details from Doors Open Day website.