Duke of Gordon Monument, Aberdeen
Aberdeen’s granite tribute to the 5th Duke of Gordon, a pioneering statue in Scottish stoneworking history, now standing in Golden Square.
Standing proudly in Golden Square, Aberdeen, this striking granite statue honours George Gordon, the 5th and last Duke of Gordon. Carved from a single block of granite in the 1840s, it’s a powerful tribute to a military leader and civic figure, now relocated from its original Castlegate site. The monument blends historical gravitas with fine craftsmanship, making it a quiet but compelling stop in the city centre.
A brief summary to Duke Of Gordon Monument
- 2 Golden Square, Aberdeen, AB10 1RD, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit in daylight to fully appreciate the texture and detail of the granite carving, especially the Duke’s robes and facial features.
- Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Aberdeen Central Library and Castlegate to see where the statue originally stood.
- Look for the information panels near the monument to learn about the Duke’s military career and the statue’s move from Castlegate to Golden Square.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from city centre
From Aberdeen’s Union Street, walk east along Market Street and turn into Golden Square; the monument is clearly visible in the central paved area, about 5–10 minutes’ walk from the main shopping district.
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Public transport
Take a bus to the city centre (e.g., stops near Union Street or Castlegate); from there, Golden Square is a short, flat walk of 5–10 minutes on well-paved, accessible streets.
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From Aberdeen railway station
From the station, follow signs to the city centre; walk along Guild Street and Market Street, then into Golden Square; the walk takes about 10–15 minutes on level, pedestrian-friendly routes.
Duke Of Gordon Monument location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Duke Of Gordon Monument
A Granite Tribute to a Highland Leader
Rising from the heart of Aberdeen’s Golden Square, the Duke of Gordon Monument is a solemn and imposing figure carved from the city’s signature grey granite. It depicts George Gordon, the 5th and final Duke of Gordon, who died in 1836 and was a prominent military commander and civic leader in northeast Scotland. The statue shows him in formal attire, reflecting his status and roles, including his position as Chancellor of Marischal College in Aberdeen. Originally unveiled in the Castlegate in 1844, it stood there for over a century before being moved to its current, more sheltered location in Golden Square in 1952.Scotland’s First Granite Statue
The monument is notable not just for who it honours, but for how it was made. It is widely regarded as the first full-size statue in Britain to be carved from a single block of granite, a bold technical achievement at the time. Designed by the Edinburgh sculptor Thomas Campbell, the work was executed by skilled Aberdeen granite workers, turning a massive block of local stone into a lifelike, dignified figure. This pioneering use of granite for figurative sculpture helped cement Aberdeen’s reputation as the Granite City and highlighted the city’s pride in its stoneworking heritage.From Castlegate to Golden Square
For more than a century, the Duke of Gordon stood prominently in the Castlegate, a historic market square and civic heart of Aberdeen. Its relocation in 1952 was part of urban changes that reshaped the city centre, moving the statue to Golden Square, a quieter, more pedestrian-friendly space near the city’s central library and council buildings. The move preserved the monument while adapting it to a modern streetscape, where it now serves as a focal point for reflection rather than a traffic island centrepiece. Information panels nearby briefly recount its history, linking it to the Gordon Highlanders and the broader story of Aberdeen’s 19th-century civic pride.What to Expect Today
The monument is easily accessible on foot in central Aberdeen, set within a small paved area that invites a brief pause. Visitors can walk around the statue, examine the craftsmanship of the granite figure, and read the inscriptions that detail the Duke’s titles and legacy. While it doesn’t offer expansive views or interactive exhibits, it rewards those interested in military history, Scottish nobility, and the art of stone carving. The surrounding Golden Square is a pleasant, leafy space, making it a natural stop on a walking tour of Aberdeen’s historic and cultural landmarks.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Duke Of Gordon Monument
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A monumental granite statue in Aberdeen honoring the 5th Duke of Gordon’s military and civic legacy in a historic city square.
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Essential places to dine
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The Tippling House
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Itskitsch Ltd
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Oliver Bonas
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White Stuff Aberdeen
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No 18 Gifts & Cards
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Copper & Grey
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Forbes Gallery & Gifts
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Tiger Lily Boutique
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Historic
- Cultural
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Monumental Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Business Friendly
