The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Pictish memorial to honour Ralph
‘Protect this place always’ is the simple script carved into a Pictish stone capturing the message of the modern-day environmental campaigner in whose honour it has been erected.
The death of Ralph Coutts, pictured below, in May 2020 at the age of just 53 shocked the Angus area, including many who worked with him on community and conservation projects.
Those included litter sweeps of the Brothock Burn from the north side of Arbroath to where it meets the sea, and the relentless fight against the blight of fly-tipping.
St Vigeans – where he led the work of the local conservation network – was Ralph’s special place, and is where the monument has been placed.
Created by Angus sculptor David McGovern, it is his second new-design cross slab to be installed in the county.
It sits close to one he carved to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 2020.
That project laid the foundations for a friendship cut tragically short by Ralph’s death while out cycling on the Angus coastal path.
Professional stone carver David, of Monikie Rock Art, said: “Ralph was instrumental in getting it installed there, he wanted the 700th anniversary stone in St Vigeans. We just became friends. He was a new pal of mine and I think anyone who knew Ralph realised how special a man he was.”
Ralph’s sudden passing left his partner of 14 years, Nicky McLean, heartbroken and stunned the wider Tayside and Fife community, including golfing friends at St Andrews where he caddied.
The tragedy prompted the idea of a permanent memorial, and within less than 24 hours a crowdfunder raised the money to commission the standing stone.
David said: “We have called it a hero stone, it is to remember a fallen hero.
“I wanted it to be in the Pictish style of a cross slab, but with the other side bearing features which related to Ralph.”
A riderless horse is a metaphor for a warrior who has gone, with a running dog in front symbolising harmony and nature.
A Highland fox has been included to signify sanctuary and, at the request o f
Ralph’s partner, a wolf also graces the stone. The important inscription and Ralph’s initials are on the base of the main sculpted Pictish cross.
David continued: “St Vigeans is a very important place in Pictish history, so to be installing another new stone in 2021 is pretty special.
“For me, personally, it is also a great honour to create this stone as a tribute to Ralph. “The wee message on it is so simple, but one which captures what he felt.
“Ralph just couldn’t understand why anyone would want to throw a can in the burn or drop litter. I hope people
take the board.”
Morag Lindsay, the treasurer of St Vigeans Conservation Network and part of the Keptie Friends group with which Ralph also worked closely, said the new stone was a fitting tribute to the much-missed figure.
“We were just all so upset by the loss of Ralph, who was taken away too soon,” said Morag.
“We all felt strongly that we had to do something in tribute to his work and different people suggested a Pictish stone,” she added.
“The crowdfunder managed to raise the money in less than 24 hours, which I think shows how much love and respect there was for Ralph.
“It was such a shock to lose him, but the stone is unbelievably good and it is wonderful to see it now in St Vigeans.”
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