Blantyre Monument: A Towering Tribute to a Scottish Military Legacy

An 80-foot obelisk in Bishopton honoring Major-General Robert Walter Stuart, the 11th Lord Blantyre, and his Napoleonic War legacy.

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Blantyre Monument

The Blantyre Monument is an 80-foot high obelisk located in Bishopton, Renfrewshire, commemorating Major-General Robert Walter Stuart, the 11th Lord Blantyre. Erected around 1825 and designed by architect William Burn, this historic landmark honors Lord Blantyre’s military service during the Napoleonic Wars alongside the Duke of Wellington. The monument stands prominently near Erskine Golf Course on private farmland and offers a glimpse into Scotland’s rich aristocratic and military heritage.

A brief summary to Blantyre Monument

Bishopton, Renfrewshire, GB
Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

The monument is on private farmland and can only be viewed safely from the roadside; respect the landowner’s property.
Visit nearby Bishopton Parish Church to explore more about the Blantyre family’s historical influence in the area.
Bring binoculars or a zoom lens for better views of the monument from a distance.
Combine your visit with a walk or round of golf at the adjacent Erskine Golf Course for a full day outdoors.

Getting There

Car

Driving to the Blantyre Monument from central Bishopton takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Parking is limited near the roadside viewing area, and the monument is on private farmland, so visitors should park responsibly without blocking access. There is no entry to the monument grounds.
Bus

Local bus services connect Bishopton to nearby towns, with a stop approximately 1.5 kilometers from the monument. From the bus stop, a 20-minute walk along quiet rural roads is required. Check local timetables for frequency and seasonal variations.
Walking

For those staying in Bishopton, a 30 to 40-minute walk along country lanes and minor roads leads to the monument. The terrain is mostly flat but without dedicated footpaths, so caution is advised. Suitable for most fitness levels.

Blantyre Monument location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about Blantyre Monument

A Monument Honoring Military Valor and Aristocratic Heritage

The Blantyre Monument was erected circa 1825 as a memorial to Robert Walter Stuart, the 11th Lord Blantyre, a Major-General in the British Army who served with distinction during the Napoleonic Wars from 1803 to 1815. The 80-foot high obelisk, designed by renowned architect William Burn, stands on a square base and commands a prominent position near Erskine Ferry Road in Bishopton, Renfrewshire. It commemorates Lord Blantyre’s military achievements and his role in Scotland’s aristocratic history.

Historical Context and Local Significance

Lord Blantyre was a notable figure in the early 19th century, living at Erskine House (now Mar Hall Hotel) and serving as the Laird of Erskine. Beyond his military career, he was a benefactor to the local community, having gifted the site and contributed to the construction of the nearby Bishopton Parish Church. The monument’s location near the old crossing point at Dumbuck Ford on the River Clyde suggests historical ties to ancient travel routes and possibly early Christian mission stations.

Architectural Features and Setting

The monument’s obelisk form reflects the neoclassical style popular in memorial architecture of the period. Its height and slender silhouette make it a distinctive landmark visible across the surrounding farmland and golf course. Although situated on private land, the monument can be admired from the roadside, offering visitors a striking visual connection to Scotland’s military past. The craftsmanship and enduring condition of the monument underscore its cultural and architectural value.

Connection to the Blantyre Family Legacy

The Blantyre family played a significant role in the region’s history, with members serving as ministers and landowners dating back to the 16th century. The monument’s coat-of-arms and its proximity to the church gifted by Lord Blantyre highlight the family’s lasting influence on local heritage. Stories suggest that some of the monument’s construction labor may have involved French prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars, adding a layer of historical intrigue, though this remains unverified.

Visitor Experience and Surrounding Landscape

While direct access to the monument is limited due to its location on private farmland, visitors can appreciate its imposing presence from nearby public roads. The surrounding landscape of rolling fields and the adjacent Erskine Golf Course create a tranquil rural setting. The monument stands as a quiet sentinel to Scotland’s martial history, inviting reflection on the sacrifices and legacies of its military leaders.

Preservation and Cultural Importance

Maintained in good condition, the Blantyre Monument is a Category B listed structure, recognized for its historical and architectural significance. It serves as a tangible link to Scotland’s Napoleonic era and the aristocratic families who shaped the region. The monument’s preservation ensures that future generations can continue to engage with this emblem of Scottish heritage and military honor.

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Blantyre Monument: A Towering Tribute to a Scottish Military Legacy

A brief summary to Blantyre Monument

Local tips

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Getting There

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Walking

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Discover more about Blantyre Monument

A Monument Honoring Military Valor and Aristocratic Heritage

Historical Context and Local Significance

Architectural Features and Setting

Connection to the Blantyre Family Legacy

Visitor Experience and Surrounding Landscape

Preservation and Cultural Importance

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Blantyre Monument

Walkinshaw Brickworks

Renfrew War Memorial

Coats Paisley

Paisley Town Hall

Renfrewshire House

Historic Scotland

Clochoderick Stone

Govan Old Church

The Govan Stones

Kenmure Hill Temple

The Tall Ship Glenlee

Riverside Museum

Visit West End

Duck Bay

Unmissable attractions to see

Pandamonium Play Centre

Formakin House

The Slacks (Mountain)

Overtoun House

Dumbarton Castle

The Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank

Golden Hill Antonine Wall Fort

Levengrove Park

The Glencairn Lounge

Titan Clydebank

International Asbestos Memorial

Clyde Shopping Centre

The Argyll Stone

Company Shop

Robertson Park

Essential places to dine

Masala Twist

The Ettrick Bar

The Glen Lusset

Abbotsford Hotel

The Big Taquero

Rigo's Bistro

Counting House

Coast

Bollywood Lounge

Haveli Family Buffet Restaurant

Sixty Ate Bar and Kitchen

The Riverview Restaurant

Grill on the Bridge

Booffi World Buffet

River Inn

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Franny Belle

Garshake Store

B&M Home Store with Garden Centre

Lady C Boutique

Hallmark Thorntons Dumbarton

Convenience Stores

Peacocks

Artizan Shopping Centre

Always Looking Good

GStores

Kean on Antiques