Restored Memorial to be unveiled in Stirling

Restored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling's old town cemetery to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.

Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 22 May 2025 15:02

On the 250th anniversary of the start of the American War of Independence, Scotland's fascinating connection to this major world event is being marked with the unveiling of a restored memorial in Stirling's old town cemetery.

In the medieval section of the cemetery stands a monument to Major Arthur Forbes and the military service of the Forbes family.

Major Forbes, who died at the age of 78 in 1831, was in his Majesty's North Carolina Highlanders, a unit formed by Scottish settlers in the then British colony which would become part of the United States.

Many of them were former Jacobites, including Flora MacDonald (famous for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape following Culloden), who had been driven to exile for their loyalty to the Stuart line.

In North Carolina, Flora helped summon the clans in support of the crown during the war, but the unit suffered a major defeat at the hands of the North Carolina Provincial Congress militia at the Battle of Moore Creek Bridge, one of the turning points in the conflict.

The battle, which took place on 27 February 1776, included the last recorded Highland Charge, with some of the defeated unit deported back to Scotland in the aftermath.

As part of this unit, Forbes may very well have been involved in the battle and, while there is still some mystery about his life, the sight of this intriguing memorial falling into disrepair on the 250th milestone of the conflict, prompted Stirling Council Archaeologist Murray Cook to start a crowdfunder to restore it.

With the funds quickly raised, Stirling Council’s Cemeteries Service repaired the memorial. On Saturday 24 May, it will be unveiled by Stirling’s Lord Provost Elaine Watterson as part of a special ceremony that will also include a free talk from Dr Cook and a visit to another memorial of a solider involved in the American Revolutionary War – General Samuel Graham who was threatened with summary execution by General Washington.

Stirling Council Archaeologist Murray Cook said: "For centuries, Stirling was one of the most important places in Scotland, a frontier, a capital and the site of victories.

"After the Union of the Crowns and Parliament, Stirling became central to the British Empire and military success across the globe.

"At no other cemetery in Scotland is so much history crammed into such a small place: in five minutes you can walk from spots connected to the Scottish Wars of Independence, The Rough Wooing, The American Wars of Independence and the march across India.

“This memorial details a century of military service by the Forbes family across the globe starting with Major Arthur Forbes who would have been in his early 20s at the battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge.

“While we still don’t know whether he fought there, how he ended up in the North Carolina Highlanders or what happened to him next, his memorial helps shed light on Scotland’s role and its people in the American War of Independence, and it’s great to see it standing tall again as we celebrate today’s strong ties between both countries.

“Heroes and villains, generals and privates are all commemorated at Stirling - why not come for a look to find out more about these people and how they shaped world history.”

Stirling Lord Provost Elaine Watterson said: "Stirling and its Old Town Cemetery is a historical treasure trove with connections not just to key moments in Scottish and UK history but major events across the world.

"It's important we preserve our rich history and built heritage to bring the stories of our people and places to light for current and future generations, so I was delighted to see this memorial restored - my thanks to everyone involved.

"The people involved in this story about the American War of Independence lived in different times and fought for what they believed in.

"As we mark the 250th anniversary of this turning point in world history, it's been fascinating to learn more about these individuals and the impact the conflict had on the city and Scotland, as well as reflecting how much has changed, with the United States and the Britain becoming great allies and recently marking the 80th milestone of VE Day together.

"We would like to welcome anyone to come along to this special commemorative event on Saturday 24 May.”

The ceremony which will involve a number of dignitaries will take in Stirling’s Old Town Cemetery at 12 noon on Saturday following the traditional Preambulation for Stirling’s Walking of the Marches, which starts at 10.45am on the Stirling Castle Esplanade.

The public are welcome to attend both events. However, a reception after the ceremony to mark the restoration of the memorial to Major Forbes inside the Church of the Holy Rude is a private event.

Background:

Stirling’s Old Town Cemetery is situated next to Stirling Castle, with the esplanade of Stirling Castle forming the eastern boundary of the site. The cemetery expanded from the original Holy Rude Kirkyard between 1857-59 into the adjacent Valley and Mars Wark Garden. The site of the Drummond Pleasure Ground was purchased in 1862.

Panoramic views can be gained from the cemetery across the carse of the River Forth. The cemetery is a site is of outstanding cultural, scenic, historical and architectural value as well as containing outstanding examples of works of art.

Stirling’s Walking of the Marches will take place on 31 May, 2025, beginning at 10.45am at the rotunda at the foot of King Street, and will see the procession walk through the city and finishing at Cowane's bowling green.

Image credit: Stirling Council

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Restored Memorial to be unveiled in Stirling

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