Scotland Peter Irvine’s the best
Monuments This week we turn the spotlight on four great historical sites to get you thinking. Enjoy exploring!
Wallace Monument
Visible for miles and with great views, though not as dramatic as Stirling Castle. Approach from A91 or Bridge of Allan road. 150m walk from car park (or minibus) and 246 steps up. Victorian Gothic spire marking the place where Scotland’s great patriot swooped down upon the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Mel Gibson’s Braveheart increased visitors mid-90s. The famous sword is very big. Clifftop walk through Abbey Craig woods is also worth a detour.
Commando Memorial
On prominent rise by the A82 Inverness to Fort William road, where the B8004 cuts off to Gairlochy two miles of Spean Bridge. Commemorates the Commandos who gave their lives in the Second World War and who trained in this area. Spectacular vista and
poignant memorial garden to troops lost in more recent conflicts, including the Iraq and Afghan wars.
Hopetoun Monument
The 30m needle atop a rare rise in East Lothian (Byres Hill, near Haddington) and a great vantage point from which to view the county from the Forth to the Lammermuirs and Edinburgh. Off A6737 Haddington to Aberlady road on B1343 to Athelstaneford. Car park and short climb. Good gentle ridge walk east.
John Lennon Memorial Garden
In a garden created in 2002 (a BBC Beechgrove Garden project) amazing in itself surviving these harsh, very northern conditions, an inscribed slate memorial to JL, who for many years as a child came to Durness with his aunt for the holidays. “There are places I’ll remember all my life” from Rubber Soul. Who would have thought that song (In My Life) was about here? There’s also a piece by national treasure, ceramic artist Lotte Glob. Garden is looked after by volunteers.
Peter Irvine is the author of the essential travel guide Scotland the Best published by Collins, priced £15.99