Inverailort House Photo copyright: Richard Findlay FotoFling Scotland
Inverailort House, in Lochaber in the Highlands, is tragically unlisted and is rapidly growing more dilapidated. It was requisitioned by the legendary Lord Lovat at the end of May 1940 for use as the first training base of irregular forces as the Special Training Centre. Becoming known as ‘The Big House’ to the military it was the birthplace during the Second World War of UK Special Forces, Commando and SOE operations. US forces also trained their earliest Second World War special operators at this Scottish base. The Royal Navy moved out in January 1945 and the house was returned to its owners the Cameron-Head family in May 1945.
Country Life wrote in 2021 that Scottish hospitality meant that the property ran with 20 guests at any one time, from “Conservative cabinet ministers, left-wing land reformers, crofters, playwrights, television presenters and the occasional Russian prince.”
The death of the owner, her husband, and her companion has accelerated the house’s escalating decline. A solution is needed to save this historically significant house.
Inverailort House originated as an 18th Century castle. It was remodelled in 1850, with further alterations in 1867 and 1875, by Alexander Ross. J. Pond Macdonald contributed a baronial addition of c.1891, and Reginald Fairlie added a 1912 extension in the Old Scots style.
Inverailort House was considered for listing in 2007 and again in 2010. Historic Environment Scotland decided that the building did not meet the criteria for listing.
See more pictures of the building on this Highland Historic Environment Record (via the Highland HER Flickr group).
Thanks to Richard Findlay (Fotofling Scotland on Flickr for letting us use his photo to illustrate this post.
