Monaltrie Monument

Dated 1836, the Monaltrie Monument is a tall obelisk constructed from grey granite and set upon a stepped square base. It occupies a prominent position on a small hill on the north bank of the River Dee. The monument commemorates William Farquharson of Monaltrie, who died in Vevay, Switzerland, in 1828. It was erected by his widow, Margaret Garden.

The obelisk is a significant feature of the landscape, deliberately positioned to be viewed from Ballater, a town William Farquharson and his brother Francis Farquharson established at the end of the 18th century. A plaque at the base of the obelisk bears the inscription: “In memory of William Farquharson of Monaltrie who died at Vevay in Switzerland 20th November 1828 aged 75 years erected by his affectionate widow Margaret Garden 1836.”