Beauly Priory

Welcome to the serene and majestic ruins of Beauly Priory. As we stand at the threshold of this ancient site, we are immediately struck by its tranquil atmosphere, a quality that inspired its very name. …

To understand the origins of Beauly Priory, we must look to the French region of Burgundy, the home of the Valliscaulian order. Founded in the late twelfth century, this order sought a return to a more austere and secluded form…

As you step into the main body of the church, the first thing you may notice is its striking length and narrowness. Unlike many larger cathedrals, Beauly Priory has no side aisles, which creates a sense of focused, processional…

The North Chapel of the priory serves as the final resting place for the chiefs of Clan Mackenzie, a family that rose to great prominence in the Highlands and became the priory's most significant patrons in the later Middle Ages.…

No visit to the ruins of Beauly Priory would be complete without recounting the chilling legend of the 'Grey Paw.' This tale, which has been passed down through generations of local folklore, centers on a courageous, if…

Standing near the entrance to the priory is a living monument that is nearly as old as the ruins themselves: a magnificent Wych Elm. This tree is estimated to be approximately eight hundred years old, which would mean it was a…

The final chapter in the active life of the priory buildings was marked by the political and military upheavals of the seventeenth century. In sixteen fifty-three, following the execution of King Charles I, Oliver Cromwell sought…

As our journey through the ruins of Beauly Priory comes to an end, we are left with a profound sense of the 'beautiful place' that has endured for eight centuries. We have walked in the footsteps of the Valliscaulian monks,…