McGrigor Memorial Obelisk

On the tranquil south side of Aberdeen's beautiful Duthie Park, the McGrigor Memorial Obelisk is a striking historical landmark that draws visitors eager to explore Scotland's fascinating heritage. Constructed from distinctive pink Peterhead granite sourced from Stirlinghill quarry, this impressive monument commands attention with its finely polished square blocks, gracefully set upon a robust base and plinth.

Duthie Park

Originally unveiled within the quadrangle of Marischal College, this remarkable obelisk was relocated to Duthie Park in 1906 following the college's redevelopment. The park, which had recently opened, allowed it to become an accessible and admired focal point within Aberdeen's much-loved green space.

The pink polished granite obelisk is an impressive 22 metres tall, and one side has a large plaque with an inscription:

THIS OBELISK
IS ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF
SIR JAMES McGRIGOR, BART M.D. K.C.B. F.R.S. &c.

FOR THIRTY-SIX YEARS DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE ARMY MEDICAL
DEPARTMENT, AND SEVERAL TIMES LORD RECTOR OF
MARISCHAL COLLEGE, ABERDEEN

HE WAS BORN IN STRATHSPEY, NORTH BRITAIN, ON THE
9TH OF APRIL, A.D. 1771.

HE ENTERED THE ARMY AS SURGEON OF THE CONNAUGHT
RANGERS IN 1793, AND SERVED THE TWO FOLLOWING YEARS IN
THE CAMPAIGN OF HOLLAND.

HE WAS AFTERWARDS MEDICAL CHIEF IN THE EXPEDITION
AGAINST THE ISLAND OF GRENADA; IN THE EXPEDITION UNDER SIR
DAVID BAIRD, FROM BOMBAY THROUGH THE DESERTS OF THEBES AND
SUEZ TO ALEXANDRIA; AND ALSO IN THE WALCHEREN EXPEDITION.

HE WAS CHIEF OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
UNDER THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON IN THE PENINSULAR WAR,
FROM THE SIEGE OF CIUDAD RODRIGO, IN THE YEAR 1811, TO THE
FINAL BATTLE OF TOULOUSE IN 1814.

HE WAS FAVOURABLY MENTIONED IN THE DESPATCHES OF ALL
THE GENERALS UNDER WHOM HE HELD THESE RESPONSIBLE
POSTS, AND WAS REPEATEDLY NOTICED IN THOSE OF THE DUKE
OF WELLINGTON, WHO, ON THE 26TH OF JULY, 1814, REFERRING
TO THE MANNER IN WHICH MR. McGRIGOR HAD CONDUCTED
THE DEPARTMENT UNDER HIS DIRECTION, WROTE THUS:

"I CONSIDER HIM ONE OF THE MOST INDUSTRIOUS, ABLE, AND
SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC SERVANTS I HAVE EVER MET WITH".

IN THE COURSE OF FIFTY-SEVEN YEARS OF ACTIVE SERVICE
HE WAS EXPOSED TO THE VICISSITUDES OF WAR AND CLIMATE,
BESIDES ENCOUNTERING SHIPWRECK AND OTHER DANGERS AT SEA;
YET HE LIVED TO ATTAIN A TRANQUIL AND HAPPY OLD AGE.

HE DIED IN LONDON ON THE 2ND OF APRIL, A.D. 1858.

THIS MEMORIAL
IS ERECTED NEAR THE PLACE OF HIS EDUCATION AND THE
SCENES OF HIS YOUTH.

When the monument was moved from Marischal College to Duthie Park, an additional inscription was added:

THIS OBELISK ERECTED IN 1860 IN THE QUADRANGLE OF MARISCHAL COLLEGE BY THE WIDOW ANDNEAR RELATIVES OF SIR JAMES McGRIGOR WAS REMOVED TO ITS PRESENT SITE WITH THE FULL CONSENT OF HIS REPRESENTATIVES WHEN THE UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS WERE EXTENDED IN 1906

Who was Sir James McGrigor?

Born on 9 April 1771, Sir James McGrigor was a pioneering military surgeon whose groundbreaking practices transformed British military medicine. Known affectionately as "the father of British Army medicine," McGrigor began his remarkable career at Aberdeen's own Marischal College before serving as a regimental surgeon. His exceptional abilities saw him swiftly rise through the ranks, eventually becoming Director-General of the Army Medical Department—a role he held for an impressive 36 years—and Lord Rector of Marischal College.

Revolutionary Medical Practices

McGrigor's greatest achievements stemmed from his role as Chief of Medical Staff for the Peninsula Army, serving under the Duke of Wellington during the Napoleonic Wars. His innovations dramatically improved medical care for soldiers. Recognizing the critical importance of timely treatment, he introduced a system of staged evacuation, swiftly removing casualties from battlefields to field hospitals strategically positioned near the front lines.

These temporary hospitals ensured immediate treatment of the wounded, while those with more severe injuries were transported in stages to larger, general hospitals behind the lines. This structured method undoubtedly saved countless lives and continues to influence military medical practices around the world today.

Preventing Disease and Improving Care

Another crucial advancement McGrigor introduced was his insistence on separating the ill from the injured, a practice instrumental in controlling disease outbreaks within army ranks. He also mandated meticulous record-keeping regarding soldiers' health statuses, enabling commanding generals to make informed decisions about troop readiness and combat effectiveness.

Compassionate Legacy

Beyond battlefield medicine, Sir James McGrigor's legacy includes compassionate initiatives such as founding the Army Medical Friendly Society in 1816, aimed at supporting widows of medical officers. Four years later, in 1820, he established the Army Medical Benevolent Society, designed to care for the orphans of fallen medical staff, showcasing his enduring commitment to welfare and compassion.

FAQs on the McGrigor Memorial Obelisk

How do I get to the McGrigor Obelisk?

Walking from Union Street:

1. Start at Union Street: Head southwest toward Holburn Street.​

2. Turn onto Holburn Street: At the junction with Holburn Street, turn left.​

3. Continue on Holburn Street: Walk straight, crossing the River Dee via the Victoria Bridge.​

4. Reach Duthie Park: After crossing the bridge, you'll find Duthie Park on your left. The obelisk is located on the south side of the park.​

This walk is approximately 1 mile and should take around 20-25 minutes.

By Car:

1. Drive from Union Street: Head southwest on Union Street toward Holburn Street, then take the first left onto Holburn Street. Continue onto Great Southern Road.​

2. Turn onto Polmuir Road: After crossing the River Dee, turn right onto Polmuir Road.​

3. Arrive at Duthie Park: The park will be on your left, with a car park located off Polmuir Road.

Is the obelisk a war memorial?

No, the obelisk is a monument to Sir James McGrigor and his many achievements. However, McGrigor contributed significantly to military medical practices, which would have had a positive effect on troops in future wars long after his lifetime.

Where is the best place to park?

The car park just off Riverside Drive is the best place to park.

Conclusion

As you stroll through Duthie Park, take a moment to admire this impressive monument and reflect on the extraordinary life and contributions of Sir James McGrigor, whose visionary ideas and compassion have left an indelible mark on both military medicine and Aberdeen's proud history.