Discover Beauly — the ‘Beau Lieu’ or beautiful place of Mary Queen of Scots. A historic village near Inverness, known for its 13th-century Priory, artisan high street, and a market square that has gathered the Highlands for eight centuries.
Established 1230 AD
Beauly Priory — founded 1230
Beauly's foundations were laid by monks who established a monastry here in the 12th century. Today, the ruins of this historic Priory stands as a testament to the village’s enduring spirit and rich history, while our independent shops and artisanal heritage continue to weave new stories into the fabric of the Scottish Highlands.
Mary Queen of Scots is said to have visited Beauly in 1564 and stayed overnight. Indeed the town’s name Beauly is credited to her reaction when she stayed — “C’est un beau lieu” — what a beautiful place.
The history of the village and surrounding area is inextricably linked to a number of the Scottish clans, most notably the Lovat Frasers. Their clan seat was the nearby Beaufort Castle and they have owned much of the land around the village for many centuries.
Some history may be more recent, but is still of interest. The Phipps Institute, our very grand “village hall”, was gifted to Beauly by Mr Phipps who was the partner of Andrew Carnegie’s steel company and regularly rented out Beaufort Castle at the turn of the 20th century.
Scroll sideways to wander Beauly's famous high street — each storefront an independent tale of craft, kindness, and Highland character.
Campbell’s has long been renowned for its legendary Highland tweeds and bespoke tailoring dressing generations with an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Their clothing remains firmly focussed on the Highlands and its sporting traditions. From country gentry to royalty, this family run business has earned a reputation that spans across the globe.
Visit Campbell's of Beauly →
A family owned and managed treasure trove of Scottish lifestyle goods, this award winning shop has something for everyone including homeware, books, greeting cards, women's clothing and curated gifts.
Visit Old School Beauly →
A second generation owned antique shop. This treasure trove of curiosities from across the Highlands and beyond is renowned for fine silver, jewellery and porcelain.
Visit Iain Marr Antiques →
Bespoke interior and bathroom design studio crafting exceptional spaces — where ambitious ideas meet beautifully executed Highland craftsmanship.
Visit Harris & Horne →
Beloved Highland family bakery famous for its dream rings, cakes, morning rolls and traditional Scottish baked goods.
Visit Harry Gow →
Award-winning Highland family butcher serving Beauly and beyond with top-quality Scottish meat, game, haggis, sausages, pies and deli favourites.
Visit Munro's →
A welcoming local charity shop funding Highland Hospice — pop in for pre-loved clothing, books, homeware and gifts while helping support hospice care across the Highlands.
Visit The Highland Hospice →
Your local Boots pharmacy in Beauly — prescriptions, health advice, beauty and everyday essentials in the heart of the village.
Visit Boots →
Morisons Of Beauly is a family-run general store and outdoor outfitter established for more than 100 years, offering ironmongery, DIY supplies, gardening items, and a wide range of angling, equestrian and general outdoor clothing and equipment.
Google Maps
A family-run Highland camera shop and one of the UK's leading dealers — buying, selling and servicing new and used cameras, lenses and photographic equipment since 1964.
Visit Ffordes →Beauly is the ideal base for touring the Highlands to the North, South, East and West. Here just a few of the places you can explore.
Belladrum's beloved summer music festival just outside Beauly — three days of live music, arts and Highland celebrations on the last weekend in July.
This legendary coast to coast 50-mile duathlon takes place in June every year with the finishing line in Beauly, on the square.
Catch a match of Scotland's ancient stick-and-ball game — fast, fierce and proudly Highland.
The Highlands' biggest agricultural show — livestock, crafts, food and family fun. Visit on the first Thursday in August.
Discover the heritage and deep rooted history of the Clan Fraser of Lovat.
Explore the dramatic lochside ruins of one of Scotland's largest castles, perched above the waters of Loch Ness.
Wander a magical forest of towering Douglas firs — home to some of Britain's tallest trees, minutes from Beauly.
Walk the haunting moor where the 1746 Jacobite Rising met its end — a short drive from Beauly.
The Blazin' Fiddles Experience — a week-long celebration of fiddle music in Beauly, Fiddle Town of Scotland (19–23 Oct 2026).
Tour one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, producing Singleton whisky since 1838 — just minutes from Beauly.
Explore the legendary 14th-century castle and its romantic gardens, woodlands, and hidden treasures — a short drive from Beauly.
Discover the spirit of the Highlands in this newly transformed visitor attraction — immersive exhibitions, stunning views, and a café in the heart of Inverness.
The band marches through the village square at 7:30pm. Dates for 2027 to be confirmed.
The largest agricultural show in the Highlands — livestock, trade stands, heavy horses, and family fun at Mannsfield Showground, Muir of Ord.
The Blazin' Fiddles Experience — a week-long celebration of fiddle music in Beauly, Fiddle Town of Scotland.
The legendary 50-mile charity duathlon from Kintail to Beauly — 20 miles on foot and 30 miles by bike, raising funds for Highland causes.
Plan your Highland adventure. There is plenty to explore on our doorstep or within a short drive. Beauly is well connected by rail and bus if you want to leave the car behind.
Culloden Battlefield9 miles (15 mins)
Inverness12 miles (20 mins)
Loch Ness15 miles (25 mins)
Glen Affric18 miles (35 mins)
Chanonry Point20 miles (40 mins)
Nairn25 miles (35 mins)
Cromarty25 miles (45 mins)
Leave a note about your visit — where you came from, when you arrived, and what Beauly meant to you. We'll add you to our village mailing list too.
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If Beauly has welcomed you well, consider a gift to the Beauly Community Trust (SCIO) — the charity that cares for the Square, runs village projects, and keeps the 'Beau Lieu' thriving for residents and travellers alike.
Donate to the TrustScottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation · SC043521
This website is run by the Beauly Business Group — a collective of local shops, hotels, restaurants and services working together to champion the village, support one another, and welcome visitors.
Our sincere thanks to the following members for their contributions to keeping Beauly beautiful:
