Simon Fraser


(17th Lord Lovat)

1911 - 1995

Soldier, who created the 'Commandos'. Born in the family seat of Beaufort Castle (Beauly), Lovat was educated at Ampleforth College and Oxford University. He led the Lovat Scouts at the outbreak of World War II, an army regiment which had been raised by his father to fight in the Boer War. He is best known for pushing for the formation of a Special Service Brigade (the 'Commandos') which Lovat led on various spectacular raids as well as onto Sword Beach during the D-Day landings, on the 6th June 1944. An eccentric showman, Lovat insisted on carrying his rolled-up umbrella onto the beach and being accompanied by his piper, all captured in the 1960 film The Longest Day.

Shortly afterwards, Lovat was seriously wounded and had to retire from the army. He was decorated by both the British and French for his gallantry.

After the war, Lovat built up the family estates, greatly increasing their productivity and gaining the respect of local people. However, financial collapse, followed by the death of two sons in quick succession, brought the sale of Beaufort Castle in 1995.


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