Introduction

Today, we hiked up to visit the Fyrish Monument which overlooks the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands. Our efforts were rewarded with outstanding views viewed through the spectrum of dynamic weather conditions.

Details of Hike to Fyrish Monument

Fortunately, the weather forecast was accurate with cloudy conditions giving way to bright sunshine.

The monument sits at a height of 1486 feet with the actual ascent covering 958 feet.

The trail to the top passed through woodland populated with vegetation including birch, fir trees, heather and blueberry shrubs. We were able to pick blueberry berries although the crop was scant.

Information on the Fyrish Monument

This comprises three central arches and four flanking towers. It was built in 1783 by the local laird, Sir Hector Munro. Sir Hector had commanded British forces at the Battle of Negapatam, India in 1746 where a victory was secured over the Dutch. Upon Sir Hector’s return to Scotland he found the Clearances (evictions of tenant farmers) underway leaving parts of the populace in dire conditions. Construction of the monument was organised as a job creation scheme for local people. The monument is a replica of the gates of Negapatam and thus proved a tangible celebration of the military victory.

Views from Fyrish

Views cover the whole sweep of the Cromarty Firth below, from the North Sea to the Black Isle and inland to Ben Wyvis ( mountain). In the Cromartty Firth (bay or estuary) surplus oil rigs can be seen

Location of Fyrish

Fyrish is near the village of Evanton which about eighteen miles north of Inverness.

More information

For more information on Scotland for tourists please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4