Balvenie Pillar
Obelisk In Dunkeld, Scotland
An obelisk that marks the location of the last public hanging in Atholl, near Blair Castle.
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The Balvenie Pillar stands in woodland on 'Tom na Coiche', otherwise known as Hangman's Knoll.
As the name suggests, it was the location of many hangings in the Atholl area. The last man to be hanged on this spot was John Stewart, who met his end in 1630.
We spotted the sign when taking a long walk in Glen Tilt, and it made a lovely little detour.
John Stewart was a local man that in a fit of rage killed a guy known as 'Shorry', and was imprisoned in the dungeons of Blair Castle.
Despite the evidence against him, Stewart was eventually released from prison. However, on returning home he heard rumours that McIntosh, a forester in Glen Tarf whose beat adjoined his own, had reacted with glee on learning of Stewart's incarceration.
Angered by this, Stewart devised a cunning plan to invite MacIntosh on a hunting trip in the nearby foothills of Beinn a' Ghlò. That night, after the men retired for the day in a remote bothy, Stewart stabbed MacIntosh to death.
Stewart then went on the run, but was caught in Caithness and returned to Atholl to face the noose.
In 1755, James Murray the 2nd Duke of Atholl, built the Balvenie Pillar to recognise that final hanging.
You may have heard of James before, that is because he was also responsible for Ossian's Hall of Mirrors. James had also discussed the building of a hilltop folly with his successor John, who also happens to be his nephew and son-in-law. After his death, John went on to build the folly which is known as The Whim.
From the Glen Tilt car park, head back up to the road and turn left.
Stay on the road until you reach the set of steps, and a sign directing you to the Balvenie Pillar. The steps lead to a path along the edge of the woodland straight up to the obelisk.
There are wonderful views of the surrounding countryside from the obelisk. On a clear day you can even see Schiehallion, the 'fairy mountain'.
The Balvenie Pillar is a Category B Listed Building with Historic Environment Scotland.
It is only 0.5km to reach the Balvenie Pillar, follow the above route or find on OS Maps.
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There a plenty of parking at the Glen Tilt car park.
Contributed by Lorraine London
I have been a keen hill walker for many years and more recently enjoy trig bagging. When I'm not exploring Northumberland, County Durham and Yorkshire, I spend most of my holidays in bonny Scotland. Other than hills, I love investigating ruinous buildings and waterfalls. I have been a member of NT and EH for years, which also gives me access to Historic Environment Scotland places.
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