Monument to First Duke of Sutherland, Beinn A' Bhragaidh

Ben Bhraggie rises above the village of Golspie in east Sutherland. The hill’s slopes are covered in heather and grass, and the summit offers wide views across the surrounding countryside. A tall statue stands on the top, visible from many miles away. The statue shows George Leveson-Gower, Marquess of Stafford and first Duke of Sutherland. He became a controversial figure because of his role in the Highland clearances. Local people often call the statue the Mannie. The hill itself is also known as Beinn a’ Bhragaidh in Scottish Gaelic. The statue was built in the 1830s as a memorial after the Duke’s death. It was designed by Sir Francis Chantrey and made from stone quarried near the site. The base and plinth were constructed from blocks cut from the hillside itself. The statue was taken up in pieces by horse and cart and then assembled at the top. It stands about thirty metres high and has long dominated the skyline of east Sutherland. Some people want the statue removed because of the Duke’s actions during the clearances. Others see it as an important reminder of history. Visitors to Ben Bhraggie can follow paths up the hill to the statue. The climb is gentle and leads to the plinth and the figure above. From the top there are views over the village of Golspie and the surrounding countryside. Mountain bike trails run down the hillside, including long singletrack descents. The hill also appears in a traditional Scots song called Granny’s Hieland Hame. The statue and its setting remain a place where history and landscape meet.