Tucked away in Perthshire, Scotland, on the tranquil shores of Loch Tay, lie the haunting ruins of the old village of Lawers. Dating back to medieval times, this once-thriving settlement was the most significant village in the area and home to the legendary Lady of Lawers. Today, it stands abandoned, offering visitors an evocative glimpse into Scotland’s past…
Nestled at the foot of Ben Lawers, the highest peak in the Breadalbane region of the Scottish Highlands, the ruins of Lawers are both mysterious and atmospheric. Just a 30-minute walk down the hillside from the modern village of Lawers, this historic site is one of the most fascinating places to explore around Loch Tay.
The name Lawers originates from its Gaelic equivalent, “the noisy one.” This name is attributed to the burn, which is a large stream, that cascades down the hillside from Ben Lawers into Loch Tay.
Many of Scotland’s abandoned villages owe their desolation to the Highland Clearances, a dark and controversial period of history that unfolded in two main waves between 1750 and 1860. During this time, landowners forcibly removed communities to make way for sheep farming, which offered them greater profits. Entire families were evicted, their homes destroyed – often by burning the thatched roofs to prevent their return. In some harrowing accounts, houses were even set ablaze with people still inside.
The old village of Lawers stands as one of the most striking and well-preserved examples of an abandoned medieval settlement in Scotland. Its stone ruins, still remarkably intact, offer a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into a once-thriving community.
The Old Village of Lawers is steeped in centuries of stories, events, and shifting fortunes that have shaped its history.
The origins of Lawers can be traced as far back as 1160, when the Scottish King Malcolm IV granted the barony to the McMillan family. This confirms that the area was inhabited for at least 750 years — likely longer — until its last residents departed sometime between the First and Second World Wars in the early 20th century.
Over these centuries, the village witnessed turbulent times and numerous changes in ownership. In 1473, Sir Colin Campbell was awarded the Barony of Lawers by King James III as a reward for his role in capturing the men responsible for murdering the king’s grandfather, King James I. Among the captured was Thomas Chalmers, who had forcibly taken Lawers from the McMillans in the mid-1400s.
Originally developing as a small fishing village, Lawers passed down through seven generations of Campbells, each holding the title of Laird of Lawers. However, mounting debts forced the sixth laird to sell the estate. His son, James, the final Campbell laird, held the title in name only until the land was sold again in 1693, becoming part of the Breadalbane Estate under the First Earl of Breadalbane.
The village saw its most prosperous period during the 18th century, when the first mill was built near Lawers Burn, marking the start of flax production. A second mill followed two decades later, with water lades (channels) constructed to power the mill wheels. During this time, Lawers reached its peak population.
However, by the mid-19th century, the population had collapsed to fewer than 20 residents, largely due to crippling rents imposed on tenants. By 1926, the last remaining family left the Pier Master’s House, located beside the House of Lawers. With the end of the ferry service, there was no longer a livelihood or reason to stay, and the village was left completely abandoned.
Throughout the 20th century, the relentless Scottish weather accelerated the decay of the once-thriving settlement. In recognition of its historic importance, Historic Environment Scotland placed a Preservation Order on Lawers in 1995, ensuring its ruins and stories endure for future generations.
Legend suggests the village is haunted by a 17th century ghost…
In the mid to late 1600s the Lady of Lawers is said to have resided in the House of Lawers. She is much celebrated and quoted by some for her fascinating prophecies, even to this day.
One report states that she is buried within the ruins of the village, close to her home, the now ruined two-storey House of Lawers, which had been built following the destruction of the previous Laird’s castle at the same location.
