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The Last Highlander: Scotland’S Most Notorious Clan Chief, Rebel & Double Agent
Fans of C.J. Sansom must read this Saltire Society Literary Awards Scottish First Book of the Year – a great non-fiction adventure about Scotland’s most notorious clan chief.
Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, was the last of the great Scottish chiefs – and the last nobleman executed for treason. Determined to seek his fortune with the exiled Jacobite king in France, Fraser acted as a spy for both the Stuarts and the Hanoverians; claimed to be both Protestant and Roman Catholic.
In July 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie launched his last attempt to seize back the throne, supported by Fraser and his clans. They were defeated at Culloden. Fraser was found hiding in a tree.
This swashbuckling spy story recreates an extraordinary period of history in its retelling of Fraser’s life. He is surely one of Scotland’s most notorious and romantic figures, a cunning and ambitious soldier who died a martyr for his country and an independent Scotland.
Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, was the last of the great Scottish chiefs – and the last nobleman executed for treason. Determined to seek his fortune with the exiled Jacobite king in France, Fraser acted as a spy for both the Stuarts and the Hanoverians; claimed to be both Protestant and Roman Catholic.
In July 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie launched his last attempt to seize back the throne, supported by Fraser and his clans. They were defeated at Culloden. Fraser was found hiding in a tree.
This swashbuckling spy story recreates an extraordinary period of history in its retelling of Fraser’s life. He is surely one of Scotland’s most notorious and romantic figures, a cunning and ambitious soldier who died a martyr for his country and an independent Scotland.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 3, 2024
Sarah Fraser has put together a truly engaging biography of one of Scotland's most controversial personalities - Lord Lovat, Chief of Clan Fraser. For Outlander fans, you'll enjoy reading about Jamie Fraser's grandfather, but, most importantly, learn more about the context and events leading up to the Jacobite rising of 1745. Although focusing on one personality, this book pretty much tells a story of Scotland during a very difficult time in its history. It was particularly difficult to read about the aftermath following the battle of Culloden. The author gives us an impressive level of historical context while not forgetting to portray the personality at the centre of this book.
January 27, 2015
Bought this book after returning from a Hogmanay trip to Scotland. Did not go in with a lot of prior knowledge of Scottish history, just a piqued interest from my trip. This is a beefy book. Lots of changing/multiple names due to changing titles/deaths/marriages etc. I found it to be a very rewarding book. I just had to make sure I was paying close attention and not enjoying too much single malt while reading it. It is a great story chalked full of detail. Probably shouldn't be the very first book one picks up to boost their knowledge of 18th century Scotland though.
November 16, 2023
A biography of the 11th Lord Lovat who lived and died in the 16th and 17th centuries, this book contains extraordinary details of a complex life. The story is supported by numerous quotes from the original literature and makes fascinating reading. At times, I found it a little difficult to know which side some of the people were on but I think some of the characters would also have been a bit confused. As a historical account, this is an important work as well as an enjoyable read.
June 6, 2017
When I bought this book, I knew next to nothing about Simon Fraser other than how he had been portrayed in the Starz series, Outlander. From the moment I turned the first page to closing the book on finishing, I really enjoyed reading about this infamous man.
The author's passion shines through with the research that has gone into this book. If you ever get to hear Sarah Fraser speak (which I have) then you will understand why she chose to write about her husband's ancestor (Sarah's husband is the current Lord Lovat)
The author's passion shines through with the research that has gone into this book. If you ever get to hear Sarah Fraser speak (which I have) then you will understand why she chose to write about her husband's ancestor (Sarah's husband is the current Lord Lovat)
April 14, 2017
Good book...
I enjoyed this book. My only recommendation to anyone planning on reading this is to build a background on Scottish history first or it might be a bit confusing.
I enjoyed this book. My only recommendation to anyone planning on reading this is to build a background on Scottish history first or it might be a bit confusing.
June 13, 2021
A well researched story of a life. The book gives an insight to a period of history which is not always taught. I would recommend this book which provided an easy read.
Lord Lovett was however self seeking and clearly believed he was entitled, and that the establishment and everyone else owed him. He spent a fortune in trying to establish his so called rights and mortgaged the clan lands to further his ends. Like all Lords of that time, he exploited the lands to build his fortune no doubt to the cost of the poor tenants. He supported a doomed concept leading to the decimation of the Highland clan system and the utter misery of the ordinary people he left behind. He made lots of poor decisions.
Lord Lovett was however self seeking and clearly believed he was entitled, and that the establishment and everyone else owed him. He spent a fortune in trying to establish his so called rights and mortgaged the clan lands to further his ends. Like all Lords of that time, he exploited the lands to build his fortune no doubt to the cost of the poor tenants. He supported a doomed concept leading to the decimation of the Highland clan system and the utter misery of the ordinary people he left behind. He made lots of poor decisions.
August 18, 2025
Men are so emotional and dramatic. The things that these men did, and the way Lovatt managed to succeed so much in such terrible situations, would make for great, but unbelievable, TV.
March 28, 2019
Simon Fraser, The 11th Lord Lovat, was the head of clan Fraser during the two Jacobite rebellions in the 18th-century Scottish Highlands. He was educated; could speak multiple languages; and was a massive troublemaker, IMHO. He switched “sides” politically multiple times, whatever side would enrich him the most. He was married multiple times: the first wife he raped and forcibly married. No wonder she hated him! He actually lost his title and lands for many years over this crime, and had to flee to France for nearly two decades, where Louis XIV first like him and cooperated w/ his schemes, but eventually imprisoned him; he spent two years in an actual dungeon. !! He was released and successfully ingratiated himself w/ the Hanoverian government, for whom he actually fought for in the Jacobite rebellion of 1715, and thus was pardoned for earlier anti-government activity. He spent many years and much money in trying to reclaim his lands and title, w/ the help of his brother-in-law (his second marriage was successful) who was a British Member of Parliament for Inverness. He was finally successful in getting back both lands and title, and was very slow to risk those and his son’s future by becoming a Jacobite. His son was a rabid follower of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Lovat himself only switched sides at the last moment after his castle had been destroyed. His son survived the ‘45, and went on to an illustrious career fighting in the French and Indian War in Canada. Lovat himself was captured and became the last nobleman beheaded in English history.
Whew. The book is kind of a slog. The writing is detailed and well-documented. It is Lord Lovat himself who becomes tedious. As usual, Whig politics and all the names/name changes amongst the nobles are very hard for those of us who aren’t intimately acquainted w/ how the Peerage works. And Scottish politics at the time were intricate and far harder to follow than even the English ones. Good luck figuring out WHICH Duke of Atholl was which, etc.
Obviously, I read this book b/c of my love of all things “Outlander.” In those books, our hero Jamie Fraser is the illegitimate grandson of the “Old Fox,” Simon Fraser, and there are great scenes in both the books and the TV show between Jamie and his grandsire. One could even say that Jamie is a chip off the old block w/ his blase disregard of the law and “the end justifies the means” attitude.
My only admiration for Lord Lovat was at how he approached his death. He was very stoic about it and really magnificent at his execution. I can’t say that I admire him in life at all, however. If all men in the Highlands were like him, no wonder the English and even Lowland Scots considered all Highlanders as savages...
Whew. The book is kind of a slog. The writing is detailed and well-documented. It is Lord Lovat himself who becomes tedious. As usual, Whig politics and all the names/name changes amongst the nobles are very hard for those of us who aren’t intimately acquainted w/ how the Peerage works. And Scottish politics at the time were intricate and far harder to follow than even the English ones. Good luck figuring out WHICH Duke of Atholl was which, etc.
Obviously, I read this book b/c of my love of all things “Outlander.” In those books, our hero Jamie Fraser is the illegitimate grandson of the “Old Fox,” Simon Fraser, and there are great scenes in both the books and the TV show between Jamie and his grandsire. One could even say that Jamie is a chip off the old block w/ his blase disregard of the law and “the end justifies the means” attitude.
My only admiration for Lord Lovat was at how he approached his death. He was very stoic about it and really magnificent at his execution. I can’t say that I admire him in life at all, however. If all men in the Highlands were like him, no wonder the English and even Lowland Scots considered all Highlanders as savages...
August 27, 2017
Incredible level of detail and empathy for Lord Lovat even though she does not excuse his indiscretions and disloyalty. As with other tales featuring the Jacobites, I was struck with the way BPCharlie just waltzed in, let everyone join in behind and die for him, when his aim -- the throne of Britain -- was not in line with theirs: Scottish independence. Especially when families and lifelong friends turned against each other, and espionage and intrigue ruled the day far beyond any real ideals that may have unified the Scots, one thing remained clear even though Sarah Fraser never stated it specifically: Charlie used them, their lives, their homes, their families, their wealth, and in Lovat's case at least he used Lovat's head. All in a futile and poorly conceived attempt to take the throne.
The story is crucial to understanding Highland rebellions of all kinds. I only give it a 4 because it got cumbersome and slow. Took me a damn long time to read it.
The story is crucial to understanding Highland rebellions of all kinds. I only give it a 4 because it got cumbersome and slow. Took me a damn long time to read it.
December 8, 2019
Sarah Fraser presents a rather complete biography of the life of Simon Fraser, The 11th Lord Lovat. The author's writing style quite engaging and makes for quick reading despite the depth of detail; details are necessary to truly understand the context of Lord Lovat's last few years. The book essentially covers the entire period of the Jacobite risings (1688-1745).
I was particularly struck by the explanation of impeachment described in the penultimate chapter of the book, especially given that the current president of the United States, Donald Trump, is being impeached. Fraser writes about the application of impeachment of Lord Lovat prior to his trial at Westminster. She states that "Impeachment was a mongrel legal weapon, a mixture of 'popular proscription' and 'judicial trial.' It was a way for the state to deal with enemies who might not be contained by the regular legal tribunals. Something of it was close to salus populi suprema lex -- the will of the people is the supreme law. Mob rule was its less illustrious expression. In special cases, it took precedence over the strict rules of courts. Impeachment by your peers allowed for the thrilled recounting of rumours, and the excitable speculations of all sorts of individuals, and conjectures that would have been disallowed in a regular law court."
I was particularly struck by the explanation of impeachment described in the penultimate chapter of the book, especially given that the current president of the United States, Donald Trump, is being impeached. Fraser writes about the application of impeachment of Lord Lovat prior to his trial at Westminster. She states that "Impeachment was a mongrel legal weapon, a mixture of 'popular proscription' and 'judicial trial.' It was a way for the state to deal with enemies who might not be contained by the regular legal tribunals. Something of it was close to salus populi suprema lex -- the will of the people is the supreme law. Mob rule was its less illustrious expression. In special cases, it took precedence over the strict rules of courts. Impeachment by your peers allowed for the thrilled recounting of rumours, and the excitable speculations of all sorts of individuals, and conjectures that would have been disallowed in a regular law court."
March 25, 2023
Sarah Fraser explores her genealogy, perhaps, in this in-depth biography of Fraser Clan chieftain Simon Fraser (Lord Lovat) who played both sides of a treacherous game--pledging loyalty to the King of England and to Prince Charlie who wanted to take the throne of England. Neither side of the rival royal factions treated him well, but the Kings of England (he lasted through multiple regimes) at least allowed him to flourish while he was mostly treated with contempt by the other side until they, at last, figured they needed him.
Fraser is only a marginally sympathetic character--since early on, thinking to secure his inheritance, he forcefully marries a widow and consummates the marriage in order to avoid annulment. This, of course, didn't play out as he had hoped, even if he later did manage to secure his inheritance. Still, even with his lands and clan in hand Fraser could not resist plotting against the King of England. Eventually, Simon Fraser overplayed his hand and lost everything when Bonnie Prince Charlie staged a poorly planned invasion to take Scotland and all of England if he could.
A very interesting and sordid tale.
Fraser is only a marginally sympathetic character--since early on, thinking to secure his inheritance, he forcefully marries a widow and consummates the marriage in order to avoid annulment. This, of course, didn't play out as he had hoped, even if he later did manage to secure his inheritance. Still, even with his lands and clan in hand Fraser could not resist plotting against the King of England. Eventually, Simon Fraser overplayed his hand and lost everything when Bonnie Prince Charlie staged a poorly planned invasion to take Scotland and all of England if he could.
A very interesting and sordid tale.
July 13, 2025
I've enjoyed this biography so much! It's wonderfully written and highly legible.
What a character he was, Simon Fraser, the 11th Lord Lovat, or MacShimidh Mor to his Fraser clan.
He was indeed a notorious Clan Chief, rebel and a double agent, but I have to admit that I have understood his motives, and grown more and more fond of him throughout the book, despite his faults (His forced first "marriage" was a horibble deed, to say the least).
Simon Fraser was a larger than life character, and what he desired most of all was his clan to prosper, and the Highlands to maintain their cultural heritage. He cannot be blamed for this, can he? Only for his final decision to support Bonnie Prince Charlie, even though he knew the rebellion would fail without French support.
Simon followed his heart , and it led to a tragedy- A personal one, he was the last man to be beheaded in Britain, but also a national one, with devastating consequences for the Scottish Highlanders.
What a character he was, Simon Fraser, the 11th Lord Lovat, or MacShimidh Mor to his Fraser clan.
He was indeed a notorious Clan Chief, rebel and a double agent, but I have to admit that I have understood his motives, and grown more and more fond of him throughout the book, despite his faults (His forced first "marriage" was a horibble deed, to say the least).
Simon Fraser was a larger than life character, and what he desired most of all was his clan to prosper, and the Highlands to maintain their cultural heritage. He cannot be blamed for this, can he? Only for his final decision to support Bonnie Prince Charlie, even though he knew the rebellion would fail without French support.
Simon followed his heart , and it led to a tragedy- A personal one, he was the last man to be beheaded in Britain, but also a national one, with devastating consequences for the Scottish Highlanders.
September 15, 2020
I picked this book up while on vacation in Scotland last year and am glad I did. This book was the perfect companion for our trip and hit many of the places we visited: Inverness, Culloden, Aviemore, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, Aberdeen, and Fort William.
The book offers a personal and real look at the Jacobite cause and the difficulties Scotland went through in the 18th century. Fraser is certainly not a good guy, and not necessarily a bad guy, but a real guy that lived real history.
I enjoyed the shifting political alliances and in-depth look at what it was really like to be caught up between the Hanoverians and the Jacobites when both sides had serious flaws. The book is a good way to make the dates and key events of the Jacobite revolution real. It was particularly meaningful having just recently visited Culloden and the exhibit there.
The book offers a personal and real look at the Jacobite cause and the difficulties Scotland went through in the 18th century. Fraser is certainly not a good guy, and not necessarily a bad guy, but a real guy that lived real history.
I enjoyed the shifting political alliances and in-depth look at what it was really like to be caught up between the Hanoverians and the Jacobites when both sides had serious flaws. The book is a good way to make the dates and key events of the Jacobite revolution real. It was particularly meaningful having just recently visited Culloden and the exhibit there.
October 29, 2020
This is really quite a tale. Simon Fraser, Lord Lovatt, was in his time variously a major Highland Clan Chief, a peer of the realm and a law officer for the Hannoverian regime in the first half of the 18th century. He was also a rapist, a spy, and what we would now call a double agent; a lifelong Jacobite despite the trimming of his sails to the protestant winds of the 18th century. He spent much of his early life on the run and in French prisons. He spent much of his later life fighting law suits to secure the title to his vast highland estates. He was impeached for treason by his peers, after the '45 rebellion and executed at the Tower of London, aged 77; the last peer to be excuted for treason.
The tale is very well told by Sarah Fraser, who clearly understands her subject and the highlands very well. Truly a great read.
The tale is very well told by Sarah Fraser, who clearly understands her subject and the highlands very well. Truly a great read.
June 22, 2017
An interesting look at Scotland's history in the late 17th/early 18th centuries. (I'd imagine Outlander fans might get something out of this?) I don't know nearly as much about Scottish history as I do about English, so this was mostly a good read for me. However, I didn't find it particularly easy to sympathize with Simon Fraser, as we find out fairly early on how he's willing to treat a woman. And the author frequently tends to embellish the story she's telling with no notes or anything to back up what she's describing, which is a massive pet peeve of mine… (History books should always have at least several pages of nots.)
June 18, 2018
Non-fiction. Overly-detailed and dryly written chronology of a clan chieftain beheaded for treason at age 80 after the Battle of Culloden. Simon Fraser, aka Lord Lovat, (who appears in the fictional Outlander novel as Jamie Fraser's grandfather), adopted and shed religions and political parties to whatever personal benefit he could gain. The times in England and Scotland in the 18th century were so full of intrigue, blackmail, deception, and shifting familial alliances, I don't know how anybody kept it all straight. The women, of course, were nothing but bargaining chips. It was interesting, however.
June 10, 2021
A fabulous biography of the last of the great Scottish clan chiefs to be beheaded after the last civil war fought on British soil- the battle of Culloden. Ms Fraser's style encapsulates not only the finest details of the thoughts, motives, and actions of Simon of Lovat but also the drama, humor, and anxiety of his life. It reads like a piece of literature exposing the inner humanity of the person's involved while educating the reader on the political, religious, cultural, and economic climate of the time. I really enjoyed this book.
May 20, 2020
A rollicking good read on the last days of the Jacobites and the tragedy of one of the last great highland lords and the last nobleman executed for treason in the british isles. My only complain is I wish a bit more context had been offered on what happened to the rest of the family after the titular character had been executed, but it was easily googleable.
Fans of the Outlander series will particularly enjoy the intersection.
Fans of the Outlander series will particularly enjoy the intersection.
May 12, 2023
excellent! rousing biography about a controversial character living in one of the most turbulent times in british history. Sarah Fraser writes wonderfully and her subject matter is pretty fascinating if you are an anglophile or just enjoy british (or even just scottish) history. the reading flows well, and is filled with a lively cast of scoundrels, double-dealers, spies, self-centered politicians, and of course royalty. enjoy!
November 7, 2017
This is very readable, enjoyable history of Scotland and Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, from the end of the 1600s through the uprising with Bonnie Prince Charlie, battle at Culloden and it's aftermath. It is also terribly sad reading with regard to the treatment of the Scots people by the English after Culloden.
February 3, 2020
A full and detailed account of a complex and seemingly contradictory man. It particularly comes to life in the immediate run up to the Battle of Culloden and it’s aftermath. The dignity with which Simon Fraser dealt with his execution is reflected in the way that Sarah Fraser sensitively paints his final days, which I found genuinely moving.
January 23, 2022
If you like the Outlander series, this will give you the insight of the fictional character Jamie Frasier’s grandfather from the Outlander Series. This is a biography of Simon Fraser, a real person, and the conflict he faced between his allegiance to the Clans, the Stewart’s and the King of England.
June 16, 2024
It took me ages to finish this book but that is more me than a reflection of this book. Not once in the months of reading did I want to not finish it. This book is well written and a fascinating insight into Lord Lovett’s life and importance in the Jacobean uprises. What an incredible life. I would Iove it to be made into a limited tv series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot.
January 10, 2018
Very interesting insight to the Jacobite rebellion. It gets a little confusing when the same person has many names and titles but once I came to grips with who was who in the zoo, I enjoyed the book immensely.
August 30, 2020
It's really refreshing to read up on one's family history and be extremely entertained by actual historically correct events. Not hating on Outlander because I loved it, but man our Fraser roots had some twists in them. ;)
September 23, 2024
The story of the Old Fox is so interesting. His story is filled with so many political complications but his Clan was his driving force. Following the various names of the characters was challenging and the language took some interpretation. Overall an interesting read
October 28, 2017
Interesting history of Lord Lovat, Simon Fraser, the last Jacobite leader to be beheaded. The last 50-70 pages were totally engrossing.
January 20, 2019
Excellent
A great story,well researched and exposes the turbulent politics existing in Scotland and beyond at the turn of the 18th century
A great story,well researched and exposes the turbulent politics existing in Scotland and beyond at the turn of the 18th century
May 11, 2019
Loved loved loved this book. Brilliantly researched and well written. I learned so much. I cried. I read right through. Can't recommend this enough for its insight and sheer brilliance of the author.
July 31, 2020
I have lost interest and will not finish. Something to with the style. History is not coming to life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews