Murray's Monument

On our recent trip to Dumfries and Galloway we managed to fit in a trip to Galloway Forest Park around the torrential rain and winds. Galloway Forest is vast and we only covered a tiny part of it, but we opted to walk from the Grey Mare's Tail car park up to Black Loch and our first point of interest on the route was Murray's Monument. You can't miss the monument - it is an impressive sight on top of the hill and there is 0.5km steep walk to get it to it. It is very much worth the effort!

Built in 1835, this imposing granite obelisk commemorates an extraordinary individual - Alexander Murray, a local shepherd boy who rose to academic heights as a Professor of Oriental Languages at Edinburgh University. With little formal education, he was self-taught in languages and displayed a talent that took him from his pastoral life to the prestigious halls of academia.

Sadly, his life as a professor was short lived, as he died at the age of 37 in 1813 after a year in the role. In his short life he was obviously exceptionally well thought of, however, as a committee was appointed in 1833 to erect the monument in his name which was paid for by public subscription.

The inscription at the base of the monument reads:

Alexander Murray DD,

Minister of Urr 1806 to 1813

Professor of Oriental Languages

in the University of Edinburgh 1812-1813,

Born at Dunkitterick, 22nd October 1775

Died at Edinburgh, 15th April 1813

Reared a shepherd boy on these hillsides

Erected by his countrymen in 1835

Mainly through the exertions and skill of

James Stewart Esq of Cairnsmore on whose property it stands

The views from the top are absolutely stunning - you can see the lush greens of the Galloway Forest, the meandering River Cree, and the distant peaks of the Cairnsmore of Fleet and you'll likely have the area to yourself.