The origins of the name of this small town come from the French - "beau lieu" named by the original Norman French owners of the land, the Frazers of Lovet. They were very conscious of their French blood and insisted on speaking Norman French even in their very northern held lands. The priory at Beauly was founded in 1230, the ruins that remain are from a later date. The Castle stands about 4 miles from the village to the south west. It was built in 1880 in the Scots Baronial style. ... < more >