Monuments and memorials are what makes a place just that bit special and Scotland has an abundance of these wonderful and often quirky pieces of history. Now author Roger Smith has put together a lovely book which pays tribute to these inspiring assets.
Smith has spent a lifetime exploring Scotland’s hills and glens in search of these special landmarks and his book reflects and encapsulates a huge variety of monuments in every style imaginable.
There are pillars, towers, obelisks, mausoleums, cairns and lots of other shapes and sizes paying homage to everything from much-loved dogs and horses to seemingly obscure members of the aristocracy.
Sculptors, artists and designers have been given the freedom to let their imagination run free and create the most brilliant of pieces, often found in the strangest of places.
Grouped into 20 categories, the book ensures the monuments and memorials are placed in proper context, which is important in understanding their timing and location.
It’s a fabulous aid to readers who can experience the joy of discovering a monument and then unearthing the reason for its creation.
Well researched and written by Roger, who has enjoyed a lifetime in journalism editing a number of monthly publications including the walkers’ magazine, The Great Outdoors. He has also written or edited more than 20 books, including the official guides to both The West Highland Way and the Southern Upland.
Roger was involved for many years with environmental issues and is a passionate advocate of the cause of the conservation of the Scottish Mountain areas.
An experienced hillwalker and backpacker, Roger completed the Great Outdoors Challenge cross Scotland walk five times.
He was the event co-ordinator for the challenge for 20 years and contributed to a weekly urban walk in the Glasgow Herald weekend magazine.
Roger is now semi-retired and lives in East Kilbride with his wife Patricia. Sadly, his mobility is restricted as he suffers from Parkinson’s disease, but he still tries to visit as many monuments as he can.
Published: 22nd October 2025
ISBN: 978-184995-595-9
UK Price: £18.99
Format: 240 x 170mm, Paperback
Pages: 320 pages
Scottish Monuments and Memorials
By Roger Smith
Published by Whittles Publishing
Scottish Monuments and Memorials is available to buy on the Whittles Publishing/Porto Press website, Coles Books, TG Jones, Browns Books and on Amazon.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Book cover courtesy of Whittles Publishing and top image of Gunnista Mausoleum by Rob Farrow
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