Fyrish Monument

The Fyrish Monument is a striking gate-like structure perched atop a hill, not far from Inverness. You can see it as you drive along the A9.

The monument was built in 1782 on the orders of Sir Hector Munro, a general who served in India. It is meant to represent the Gate of Negapatam, a harbour in Madras, India - taken by the British a year earlier.

During the Highlands Clearances that were happening around that time, local farmers were being evacuated by their landlords and left without employment. More than anything, the construction of Fyrish Monument provided the means to keep some of the locals in labour. It may not seem like much, but it was hard work, as each stone had to be carried up the hill for a long distance.

The hike to the top is around 2 miles - it should take just over an hour to get to the monument. There is free parking available at the start of the trail (look for Fyrish car park). From there, just follow the signs for the Jubilee Path through the forest (note that this route, the shortest one, is not marked in Google Maps). It’s a pleasant and relatively easy hike, with a total ascent under 300m. Once at the top, the monument will reveal itself and you will also be rewarded with a broad view of Cromarty Firth and beyond.