Rutherford's Monument

Boreland Hill

Anwoth

Gatehouse of Fleet

Kirkcudbrightshire

NGR - NX 588558

A service held in the kirkyard of the old Anwoth church in 1838 was held to raise funds to erect a monument to Rutherford. The service was led by Dr Cooke of Belfast, and he was supported on either side by local landowners, Sir David Maxwell and Mr MacCulloch of Ardwell. It was reckoned that 6,000 people attended.

By December 1841 John Stewart, architect, of Gatehouse,was appointed as the contractor. It was proposed to erecte an Egyptian obelisk of granite, 55 feet tall. The site for the memorial was presented by A. Murray MP.

The foundation stone was laid on Thursday 28 April 1842 by Rev Robert Jeffrey of Girthon. The weather was propitious and nearly 2,000 attended.

In 1848 the monument was struck by lightning and almost completely destroyed. It was rebuilt a few years later.