Elyza Fraser Mausoleum

Aberdeenshire

Built in 1808 for Miss Elyza Fraser, owner of Castle Fraser, the Elyza Fraser Mausoleum was designed by her friend, the noted Scottish architect James Byers of Tonley. Miss Fraser died in 1814 and was laid to rest within the mausoleum, alongside several generations of her family, with the last interment taking place in 1946.

Now more than 200 years old, the Category A listed mausoleum stands within Cluny Kirkyard and is owned by the North East Scotland Preservation Trust (NESPT), with support from the Friends of Elyza Fraser Mausoleum Group.

Cluny Kirkyard is also home to a collection of mort safes, used in the 19th century to deter body snatchers, as well as a number of fascinating historic gravestones.

Earlier this year, a major programme of repairs was completed by NESPT and its specialist design and contractor team, working in partnership with the Friends of the Elyza Fraser Mausoleum. The project has secured the future of this important heritage asset, ensuring it is better able to withstand increased rainfall and more extreme weather conditions.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see the fully restored mausoleum and learn more about its history and conservation from members of the Friends group and NESPT.

Activities:

• Visit the newly restored Elyza Fraser Mausoleum
• Learn about the history of the mausoleum and its restoration
• View Cluny Kirkyard's historic gravestones and mort safes
• Children's graveyard eye-spy and treasure hunt activity sheets will be available

Visitor Information:

• No booking required
• Access is via steps into the churchyard followed by a short walk. Entry to the mausoleum is by a further short flight of steep steps

Facilities

• Parking
• Not Accessible
• Events For Children

Additional Access Information

The Mausoleum is accessed via steps into the churchyard followed by a short walk through the churchyard. Entry into the Mausoleum is via a further short set of steep steps.