Monument record MHG14086 - Fort Augustus, vault

Workmen renovating a Fort Augustus hotel have uncovered a piece of the past. An underground vault, believed to be part of Fort Kilwinan - the original structure in the village dating back to 1716 - was unearthed during work to the Lovat Arms Hotel. The vault, the size of a small garage, contains non-human bones and some bottles. Hotel owner Mr Alan Lees said work stopped immediately and archaeological experts were called in. "It's quite an interesting discovery and it has been suggested that we keep the vault uncovered to let people see it, although it is right in the middle of where I am planning to build a new car park!"
Press and Journal 11 March 1989

Planning Applications
IN/1990/190 - Creation of new vehicular entrance to hotel.
IN/1990/191 - Siting of temporary staff chalet/caravan

Correspondence on file regarding possible retention of the vault as an illuminated feature of historic interest.

'Underground barrel-vaulted chamber. Now beneath car park of Lovat arms Hotel, Fort Augustus. Probably part of Kilwhimin Fort'
Rectangular.
R.Gourlay 9.8.1990

Notes added from Associated Documents file on 17.6.2003 by J.Wood

Given the approximate location of the vault and the probable location of the fort, it is far more likely to have been a cellar belonging to one of the two buildings which formerly stood in what is now the car park south of the hotel. The buildings are shown in this location from the OS 1st Edition onwards. IS-L 23/08/2016