Inverailort House

Inverailort House is a former country mansion near the village of Lochailort, at the head of Loch Ailort in the Scottish Highlands. It is derelict and closed to visitors, yet its wartime past still draws history enthusiasts travelling the Road to the Isles.

What is Inverailort House?

The house is a Highland estate residence with Georgian origins. The Highland Historic Environment Record mentions leadwork dated 1756. The building was remodelled around 1850 and altered again in 1867 and 1875. In 1912 the owner commissioned architect Reginald Fairlie, who added a wing in the Old Scots manner. The estate belonged to the Cameron-Head family; James Head, a director of several shipping lines, married into the Camerons in 1890.

Why is it famous for the Second World War?

In 1940 the house was requisitioned by the military. Together with several nearby mansions it formed the Special Training Centre at Lochailort, where Britain's first commandos and irregular-warfare personnel were trained. Guerrilla and sabotage techniques were developed here, and the centre, first run by MI(R), later became part of Combined Operations. The army left in August 1942 and the house passed to the Royal Navy, which trained commandos there as HMS Lochailort. The Navy departed in January 1945, and the Cameron-Head family got the house back in May 1945.

Can you go inside?

No. It is privately owned and in ruinous condition. It is not a listed building: it was assessed for listing in 2007 and 2010, and Historic Environment Scotland judged that it did not meet the criteria. A plaque on the house marks its wartime role, and a memorial cairn stands nearby. Do not enter the grounds; the state of the structure makes it dangerous too.

How do you get there?

Lochailort lies on the A830 between Fort William and Mallaig, the Road to the Isles. The house stands south of the village at the head of Loch Ailort, close to the road. The nearest railway station is Lochailort on the West Highland Line to Mallaig. The simplest plan is to drive or take the train and look at the surroundings from public roads.

When should you visit?

There are no opening hours, so timing depends on daylight and weather. Late spring, summer and early autumn are best for the scenic drive and walks along the sea loch. Winter days are short and Highland weather is changeable.

Frequently asked questions

Can you tour Inverailort House? No. It is a private, derelict property with no visitor access. It can only be seen from outside.

Is the house a listed building? No. Listing was considered in 2007 and 2010, but Historic Environment Scotland declined it. The house does have a record in the Highland HER.

What happened here in the war? It was part of a commando and special forces training centre, and from 1942 to 1945 the Royal Navy used it as HMS Lochailort.

How do you reach it from Fort William? Take the A830 towards Mallaig; Lochailort sits on that road. You can also take the West Highland Line to Lochailort station.