Glenfinnan Monument plaque restored in time for anniversary

The meticulous restoration work, carried out by a specialist team over four days, ensures the plaque’s legibility and aesthetic appeal for years to come.

Standing tall on the shores of Loch Shiel as a tribute to the clansmen who gave their lives to the Jacobite cause in 1745–46, Glenfinnan Monument has been in the care of the Trust since 1938. We remain dedicated to preserving this evocative landmark for future generations.

Conservation work focused on treating the plaque to remove black algae and mould, which thrive in Glenfinnan’s damp West Coast climate. Then, each of the 520 carved letters was cleaned and painstakingly repainted.

The plaque’s restoration is the first stage in a wider conservation project at Glenfinnan Monument. The next stage will involve repairs to the exterior stonework around the parapet, statue plinth, doorway and perimeter wall. This includes moss removal and repointing joints in the masonry to guard against water ingress. For the first time ever at this historic site, access to the top of the tower will require the use of a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP).

Inside the Glenfinnan Monument, further conservation work will focus on removing calcification and repairing the lime mortar in some failing joints, before cleaning and repainting the lime-washed walls up the 63-step spiral staircase.

Emily Bryce, Operations Manager at Glenfinnan Monument, said: ‘We have enjoyed seeing the 19th-century marble brought back to life this summer and thoroughly admire the steady hand of the specialist stone conservator, who repainted all 520 letters as she sheltered in a makeshift tent to escape the drizzle.’

In researching the history of the marble plaque, which can be seen hanging above the doorway to the 1815 Glenfinnan Monument in historical sketches and photos, the team discovered that it was removed as part of major restoration work undertaken by the Trust in the 1930s when the tower first came into its care.

Emily continued: ‘The plaque’s story after it was removed is intriguing. From reading archive letters, it would seem that no one thought it looked good above the door, and, combined with the structural challenges of returning it there, the decision was made not to reattach it.

‘The plaque was offered to the village church, then the West Highland Museum, but one local stakeholder at the time suggested it be taken out into Loch Shiel and sunk to be rid of it! Thankfully, it suffered no such drastic fate and was inserted into the interior of the perimeter wall surrounding the Monument instead.

‘We are grateful for funding support from Historic Environment Scotland for this restoration project, as well as the ongoing generosity of our charity’s members and supporters, which enables us to continue to preserve, care for and share Scotland’s heritage.’

The Glenfinnan Monument commemorates the day Prince Charles Edward Stuart, affectionately known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, gathered 1,200 Highlanders in what was a remote Highland hamlet prior to the road and railway. After raising the standard (flag) and pledging their allegiance, they set off on a quest to regain the Stuarts’ throne. What began with hope at Glenfinnan ended in defeat at Culloden, changing the Highlands and its Gaelic communities forever.

Visitors can now view the newly restored plaque in the Glenfinnan Monument garden. Staff can provide additional information about the plaque when the tower is open. Opening times vary, so please check online in advance.