James Glen Memorial Fountain

You'll find this Victorian fountain tucked away in Montrose, a coastal town that doesn't shout about its charms but rewards those who wander its quieter streets. The James Glen Memorial Fountain is a proper piece of local history - a stone monument that speaks to the civic pride of 19th-century Scotland, though the details around its creation have largely faded from common knowledge.

It's the sort of thing that appeals to history buffs and anyone interested in how communities marked their significant figures through public works. The fountain itself is modest by grand standards, but that's rather the point - it's genuine rather than bombastic. Montrose locals would have seen it as something meaningful, not a showpiece.

Don't expect to spend hours here. It's a photograph stop, perhaps ten minutes if you're reading any plaques and absorbing the surroundings. The real draw is bundling it into a broader exploration of Montrose itself - the seafront walk is genuinely worth your time, and the basin itself is pleasant enough for a stroll.

If you're staying at St Cyrus Holiday Park just down the road, this makes an easy afternoon ramble. Free to visit, naturally. Go during daylight hours and don't expect any facilities - this isn't a visitor attraction with signage and parking; it's simply part of the town's fabric. Best suited to those who enjoy local history and low-key exploration rather than dramatic monuments.