Stonehaven War Memorial

The incredible Stonehaven War Memorial sits atop Black Hill, overlooking Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. Commemorating the war dead of the First and Second World Wars, this prominent landmark can be seen for miles in every direction and enjoys scenic views out to the North Sea.

While taking the train from Aberdeen to Edinburgh, I often saw this war memorial as the train passed. Back in the days when the internet was still in its infancy, I often wondered what it was. It looked kind of Greek, but I thought it was some kind of old druid temple!

My wife and I were touring sites in the northeast of Scotland, and we had just finished a visit to nearby Dunnottar Castle. There was a well-trodden path directly from the castle to the war memorial, so we decided to walk instead of driving.

The Coastal Path

The route from Dunnottar Castle to Stonehaven War Memorial is breathtaking. It passes by some of the best cliffs north-east Scotland has to offer. There were many vantage points to look back at the impressive castle behind us and benches perfectly placed to take in the scenery.

 

 

 

 

The path is a dirt track and not suitable for wheelchairs. It's fairly flat until it reaches the memorial itself when it becomes steeper. There are some dangerous sections with sheer drops, so be aware if you have small children or dogs.

We walked to the monument from Dunnottar for about 30 minutes. The war memorial site has an official entrance and an information board.

The War Memorial

We visited the war memorial in April, so the daffodils were in full bloom all over Black Hill, and the memorial was framed beautifully.

The memorial itself is large and impressive, built from dressed grey granite stone. It has eight sides and eight pillars and resembles a temple from ancient Greece. Walking up the steps and entering through the gate, a centrally placed stone immediately caught our attention. The names inscribed on this stone are those who died from Stonehaven in the First World War.

Held aloft by the doric columns, the lintels have one of the most badass inscriptions I've seen on a war memorial:

One by one death challenged them, they smiled in his grim visage and refused to be dismayed.

The monument's crown bears the names of eight significant First World War battles: Gallipoli, Jutland, Marne, Mons, Somme, Vimy, Ypres, and Zeebrugge.

The interior of the war memorial is covered in wall-mounted tablets bearing the names of the fallen from both World Wars. Great battles, such as the Normandy landings, are engraved on many columns.

We had a picnic at one of the benches and looked out over Stonehaven in quiet contemplation of these brave men.

 

The History of Stonehaven War Memorial

During the First World War, Scottish deaths accounted for about one-fifth of the UK's war dead, with Stonehaven alone grieving the loss of 200 men.

The Stonehaven War Memorial, designed by local architect John Ellis, was officially unveiled on Sunday, May 20, 1923. Its completion came later than many other Scottish war memorials, which sparked significant criticism towards the Town Council. In April 1921, the council faced scrutiny for seemingly losing track of who had been appointed to the overseeing committee—a committee established a year earlier.

The memorial's design is strikingly classical, taking the form of a temple. While often described as "round," it is octagonally shaped, giving it the semblance of an ancient ruin—a deliberate choice meant to symbolize the numerous lives cut short and devastated by the war. Despite the initial controversies over its delayed construction, the resulting structure is undeniably majestic. Its considerable size and strategic placement not only ensure it stands out in Stonehaven but also makes it visible from much of the surrounding area, serving as a powerful and constant reminder of the sacrifices made during the conflict.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAQs on Stonehaven's war memorial

Here are a few frequently asked questions on Stonehaven War Memorial:

If not walking from Dunnottar Castle, where should I park?

There is a small layby/carpark found just north of the memorial on the "Coastal Tourist Route" road. Failing that, driving into Stonehaven and parking at The Backies or Market Square Car Park are both viable options. One great option, if you don't mind walking, would be to park at the Beach Promenade and walk south through Stonehaven, past the harbour and up to the memorial.

How long does walking from Dunnottar Castle to Stonehaven War Memorial take?

It takes about 30 minutes to walk from Dunnottarr Castle.

When was the Stonehaven War Memorial built?

It was completed in 1923 by the people of Stonehaven.

Key information on Stonehaven War Memorial

• Stonehaven War Memorial is found on Black Hill overlooking Stonehaven.

• It was built in 1923 initially to commemorate World War 1, but now also covers the Second World War.

• Also named Black Hill War Memorial.

• Local architect John Ellis designed it in the style of a ruined Greek temple.

• Some call the design a "circular ruined Doric temple".

• It's possible to walk to or from nearby Dunnottar Castle.

• A viewpoint for Stonehaven Harbour can be visited just north of the monument.

Conclusion

I highly recommend the walk to Stonehaven War Memorial if you are visiting Dunnottar Castle or Stonehaven. The views from the summit of Black Hill, overlooking Stonehaven and the North Sea, are well worth the effort.