Rutherford's Monument

Rutherford’s Monument is a tall granite obelisk on Boreland Hill between Anwoth and Gatehouse of Fleet in Dumfries and Galloway. It was raised in 1842 to honour Samuel Rutherford, minister at Anwoth Old Church from 1627 to 1639. The obelisk stands on a square base and is listed at Category B. Lightning struck it in 1847 and again in 1971 it was granted protected status. A second restoration finished in 2018 stabilised the upper stones. The monument’s south face carries Rutherford’s memorial text praising his learning and piety. The north face records the lightning damage and the rebuilding in 1851. A smaller Millennium Monument stands close by, honouring all ministers of Anwoth and Girthon since the Reformation. Funds for the first build came from local subscriptions gathered in 1838. The mason John Stewart built the structure and Robert Hume repaired it after the storm. Visitors walk up Boreland Hill to reach the obelisk and read the inscriptions. The surrounding Galloway hills stretch away in every direction. A short path leads to the Millennium Monument planted nearby. The inscriptions describe Rutherford’s life and the repairs after the lightning strike. The restored stones now stand firm for another generation.