Glenfinnan Monument (National Trust for Scotland)

At the head of Loch Shiel in Glenfinnan, this 18-metre monument commemorates the Jacobite Rising of 1745, when Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard here. Built in 1815, it is topped by a statue of a kilted Highlander. The loch and mountain views make the short walk from the nearby church rewarding, and you can learn more about the rising at the visitor centre. If you arrange access to the top, a narrow winding stair and entrance lead to wider views over the loch and surrounding landscape.

The monument and the 1745 rising

Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at Glenfinnan in August 1745, calling on Highland clans to support the Stuart cause. The rising was an attempt to restore the Stuart family to the thrones of Scotland and England. The monument commemorates the clansmen who fought and died in that cause.

Built in 1815 at the head of Loch Shiel, the 18-metre structure was commissioned by Alexander Macdonald of Glenaladale. A statue of a kilted Highlander stands at its summit. The monument is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.

Climbing to the top

You can climb the monument for views over Loch Shiel and the surrounding landscape. Access is subject to a fee, and booking in advance is recommended. The route uses a narrow, winding stairway and a narrow entrance at the top, so the climb may not suit everyone. Views depend on the weather.

The visitor centre gives more background on the Jacobite Rising and the monument. It also has a small cafe, a shop and toilets. Nearby viewpoints provide other ways to take in the loch and mountains.