James Graham Statue

You'll find this statue standing in Montrose, a modest coastal town that punches above its weight historically. It commemorates James Graham, the 1st Marquess of Montrose - a Covenanter-turned-Royalist whose life was basically a masterclass in backing the wrong side at the wrong time. The sculpture itself is straightforward rather than showy, which feels appropriate for a man whose legacy remains genuinely contested among Scottish historians.

Montrose itself is the draw here, to be honest. It's a working harbour town with actual character, not a theme-park version of Scotland. The statue sits as part of the town's broader claim to importance during the 17th century civil wars, when Montrose was genuinely significant. You're not looking at anything elaborate - just a figure in a central location - but it gives you a reason to explore the streets around it and spot period buildings that tell the real story.

Historically minded visitors will find this worthwhile, particularly those interested in the Scottish Civil War period. Families won't be captivated for long, mind you. Allow twenty minutes maximum for the statue itself, but budget a couple of hours if you're exploring Montrose's harbour and High Street properly.

It pairs well with a stay at St Cyrus Holiday Park just down the coast, or The Grange Glamping if you want something with more of an experience attached. Both are within easy driving distance and give you a proper base for exploring Aberdeenshire's coastal heritage.