Lynedock Obelisk

This is Lynedoch Obelisk which sits on Murrayshall Hill above the village of Scone in Perthshire.

It stands at the highest point on Murrayshall Hill at 279m and can be seen for miles around. It was only when we were walking the Scone Circular Walk, that we came across this imposing monument. Knowing nothing of its history, I went on to investigate its significance.

We found it was erected in 1850, in memory of Thomas Graham of Balgowan, the Baron of Lynedoch, a famous aristocrat, politician and British Army officer. Graham famously fought alongside Wellington during the Peninsular War earning himself the popular nickname 'The Lion of Barossa'.

Born in 1748, Graham inherited the Balgowan Estate in 1767 at his father's death.

In the late 1760s after finishing college, he spent several years on the Continent. On his return to Scotland, he applied himself to the management and improvement of his estate.

Although defeated in the 1772 Perth by-election, Graham remained involved in politics.

In 1774, Graham married Mary Cathcart, the 2nd daughter of Lord Cathcart and Jane Hamilton. On the same day her elder sister Jane, became Duchess of Atholl, marrying Graham's friend the Duke of Atholl.

In 1785, he purchased the estate of Lynedoch.

Sadly, in 1790, he lost his beloved wife when he was only 42 years of age. He had previously been a French Revolutionary sympathiser, however after French soldiers inadvertently opened Mary's coffin, this would NOT be forgiven.

He returned her home to Scotland, and placed her remains in a mausoleum he built in Methven, where he himself would later be laid to rest.

Graham then immersed himself in his military career, serving in the British Army from 1793 to 1814, seeing action in several French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

He died in 1843, at the grand old age of 95.

Embedded in the Lynedoch Obelisk is a sandstone plaque that reads 'To the Memory of Thomas Graham Lord Lyndoch. This Obelisk is dedicated'.

The views from the Obelisk are beautiful, both over Scone and the Perthshire countryside.

From our lofty position we could also see Macduff's Monument on the edge of the hill.

Lynedoch Obelisk is a Catagory B Listed Building with Historic Environment Scotland.

Visit Lynedoch Obelisk using the above route, or as part of our Scone Circular Walk. This route is approximately 1km with 130m of ascent.

Follow the above route, or find on OS Maps.