The Fyrish Monument, standing at the summit of Fyrish Hill in Evanton, near Alness in Scotland, is a cultural heritage site with a deep history. Built in 1782 by Sir Hector Munro, it reflects a time of profound social change. Munro, who served as a local lord in his homeland and as a general in India, had the monument built to provide work for the population displaced from their lands. This approach was part of his response to the so-called Highland Clearances, which plunged rural communities into poverty.
The structure of the monument is a replica of the gate of Negapatam, an Indian port that Munro conquered on behalf of Britain. It stands not only as a monument to a distant conquest, but also as a sign of support for the local population in difficult times. The arrangement of the stones, which workers had to laboriously carry up the hill, is said to represent Munro's desire to ensure employment over a longer period of time by awkwardly positioning stones and thus artificially lengthening the work.
Today, the Fyrish Monument is a picturesque ruin that attracts visitors from far and wide. Perched above the Cromarty Firth, it offers spectacular panoramic views and is a popular place to experience the vastness of Scotland, particularly with a clear view of snow-capped Ben Wyvis. As a historic structure and viewpoint, the monument embodies the connection between human history and Scotland's breathtaking nature.