Beauly (population 1,169)
The name Beauly is said to be derived from an exclamation by Mary Queen of Scots C’est un Beau Lieu’, referring to the oak groves, corn fields, mild climate and sandstone architecture. Whilst modern Beauly has advanced considerably since this time, it is still a scenic town. A large sandstone Roman Catholic Church stands on the outskirts and the picturesque ruin of a Medieval abbey is an architectural curiosity in the town’s centre.
The surrounding area is a thriving yet quiet town where the tourist industry supports a large number of hotels and shops. Beauly possesses a Primary School and older children are educated at Charleston Academy in neighbouring Inverness. Beauly is connected by rail to the rest of Scotland and benefits from a good road system leading to Inverness and Ross-shire.
The Visit Beauly website has lots more information about the area.