The 1903 Beaufort Castle Incident

In the quiet stillness of a pitch-black night in July 1905, the tranquility of Beaufort Castle was shattered by an unexpected confrontation. This historic event, involving the American Phipps family, offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of land ownership, legal proceedings, and community relations in Edwardian Scotland.

The Night of the Incident

Beaufort Castle, perched on the banks of the River Beauly, was the summer residence of the Phipps family, American millionaires who had rented the property for eight years. The family enjoyed exclusive fishing rights on the river, a privilege costing Mr. Phipps Senior over £2,000 annually. This right included the esteemed "Silver Pool," a prime fishing spot just outside the castle's windows.