Covenanters Monument, Darmead-Lin, Auchterhead Muir

The Covenanters Monument stands on Auchterhead Muir and was erected in 1836. It is a tapered sandstone column, showing remnants of original paint. The monument sits on a square plinth. The shaft narrows upwards, with a corbelled cornice acting as a capital, supporting a narrow band which finishes in a conical finial with a rounded apex.

The south face of the shaft is inscribed with a memorial to Cameron, Cargill, Renwick, and their brethren, who worshipped on the spot during a time of persecution and risked their lives in the field. The south face of the plinth is inscribed stating it was erected using funds raised at a sermon preached here by the Rev. John Graham of Wishtauton on 7th August 1836.

Cargill and Renwick were Covenanter martyrs who sought refuge on Auchterhead Muir following the defeat of the Covenant army led by James Graham of Claverhouse, Duke of Montrose and are said to have worshipped at a secret chapel on the site, with refuge found at the now ruined Darngavel Steading. The area of Cambusnethan, North Lanarkshire, has a strong historical link to the Covenanters and experienced further religious dissent in the 19th century leading up to the Disruption. The Covenanters, later known as the Reformed Presbyterian Church from 1690, still have a presence in Wishaw, which remains home to one of only five Reformed Presbyterian congregations in Scotland. The monument's inscription appears relatively fresh and painted, contrasting with the rest of the structure which is covered in moss and lichen.