Second Glances with Arabella

After many remarkable years of stewardship, friendship, and vision, Elizabeth Beaumont—known to all of us simply as Liz—along with her counterpart, Lauraclaire Benelli-has announced that she will be stepping down as Co-Owner of the Highlands of Scotland in Second Life.

It is difficult to imagine the Highlands without her steady hand. From some of its earliest days, Liz and Laura have helped shape not just landscapes of cobblestone streets and misted glens, but something far more enduring: a living, breathing community.

A Legacy Woven into the Landscape

When the Highlands first rose from digital soil, they were more than scenic regions inspired by the beauty of Scotland—they were places of gathering. Liz understood that a region thrives not merely through architecture or terraforming, but through people.

Under her co-leadership, Inverness City became a bustling heart of culture and connection, while Urquhart stood watch over the loch with its timeless silhouette—both regions serving as anchor points for countless events, celebrations, quiet conversations, and memories that have spanned years.

Those two original sims—Inverness City and Urquhart—will now pass fully into the safekeeping of fellow co-owner Magnus Brody, whose dedication to the Highlands has long been evident. Charged with their care and continuity, Magnus will ensure that the spirit and integrity of these foundational regions remain intact for generations of residents yet to arrive. Continuing alongside them will be our other regions, Beauly, Dornoch, Glen Coe and the Hebrides, under the continued ownership of Ethan Westland Belmonte, also a longtime partner in the Highlands team. 

Not a Farewell, But a Turning of the Page

Let it be clearly said: Liz and Laura are not leaving us.

While they are ready to retire from the daily operational responsibilities that come with managing an estate of this scale, both remains very much at the heart of our community. Aldourie Castle—Liz’s beloved domain—will continue to flourish under her guidance. And with it, Nessie’s Neuk, that warm and welcoming gathering place whose nightly rota of events has drawn friends from across the grid, will remain as lively as ever, while Laura will look after the Loch Ness Inn, another longtime establishment of the Highlands

Anyone who has danced beneath the vaunted turrets and towers of Aldourie, lingered by the hearth in quiet conversation, or laughed long past sensible hours knows that Nessie’s is not merely a venue. It is a home. And Liz, in her inimitable way, will continue to host, to laugh, and to anchor that space with her warmth and wit, as well as her music.

The Highlands Endure

The Highlands of Scotland have always been more than land and builds. They are a shared story written by those who gather there. That story continues.

With Magnus Brody assuming ownership of Inverness City and Urquhart, and Liz continuing her stewardship of Aldourie Castle and Nessie’s Neuk, the Highlands enter a new chapter—one built on continuity rather than change, on trust rather than uncertainty.

Communities evolve. Leaders shift roles. But foundations laid with integrity endure.

With Gratitude

Today we do not mark an ending. We mark a transition—one carried out with dignity, generosity, and confidence in the future.

Liz and Laura, thank you for your years of devotion to the Highlands. For your laughter. For your resilience. For the countless evenings that turned into memories beneath Scottish skies.

The Highlands will always bear your imprint.

And thankfully, so will Nessie’s dance floor.

~ Arabella

Post Notes: This article first appeared on the SL Highlands of Scotland Website

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