News > Don Roberto memorial revamped for anniversary
Don Roberto memorial revamped for anniversary
23/05/2012
Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland has concluded a refurbishment programme at a memorial in honour of Robert Cunninghame Graham just in time for the 160th anniversary of his birth.
Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham or ‘Don Roberto’ (1852-1936), the influential Scottish politician, prolific travel writer, journalist and adventurer was born 160 years ago tomorrow - Thursday 24 May. Credited as a founder of the Scottish labour movement and the Scottish National Party, he travelled extensively, mostly in South America where he died.
The Trust is responsible for the care of the monument in Gartmore near Aberfoyle and has just completed a significant programme of building conservation work on the structure. A new information panel has also been installed to provide visitors with a better understanding of the memorial’s architecture and leave them wanting to know more about this fascinating Scottish personality.
Trust Group Manager Chris Cassels said:
“We want people to appreciate this small but significant property more, and of course, the man it represents. The memorial features portraits of Don Roberto and his favourite horse Pampa (whose hoof is buried beneath), as well as stones which were sent in his honour by the governments of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. This is a man who made a big impact on Scotland and the world, in life and in death.”
The monument was originally in Dumbarton but was moved to the village of Gartmore after a spate of vandalism. It is a meaningful site as nearby Gartmore House is where he spent much of his life.
Don Roberto was born into privilege but supported causes including the rights of workers and free speech. He followed his heart as opposed to showing continuous loyalty to one political party. He was also the first MP to be suspended from the House of Commons for swearing for using the word ‘damn’, and was arrested for his part in one demonstration.
Find out more about him at nearby Stirling Museums and visit his grave at Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Menteith.
The memorial is one of a number of sites looked after by the National Trust for Scotland that remember people who shaped Scotland and the world. They also care for Hugh Miller’s cottage in Cromarty, Thomas Carlyle’s birthplace in Ecclefechan and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway on behalf of the people of Scotland.
The Trust is responsible for the care of the monument in Gartmore near Aberfoyle and has just completed a significant programme of building conservation work on the structure. A new information panel has also been installed to provide visitors with a better understanding of the memorial’s architecture and leave them wanting to know more about this fascinating Scottish personality.
Trust Group Manager Chris Cassels said:
“We want people to appreciate this small but significant property more, and of course, the man it represents. The memorial features portraits of Don Roberto and his favourite horse Pampa (whose hoof is buried beneath), as well as stones which were sent in his honour by the governments of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. This is a man who made a big impact on Scotland and the world, in life and in death.”
The monument was originally in Dumbarton but was moved to the village of Gartmore after a spate of vandalism. It is a meaningful site as nearby Gartmore House is where he spent much of his life.
Don Roberto was born into privilege but supported causes including the rights of workers and free speech. He followed his heart as opposed to showing continuous loyalty to one political party. He was also the first MP to be suspended from the House of Commons for swearing for using the word ‘damn’, and was arrested for his part in one demonstration.
Find out more about him at nearby Stirling Museums and visit his grave at Inchmahome Priory on the Lake of Menteith.
The memorial is one of a number of sites looked after by the National Trust for Scotland that remember people who shaped Scotland and the world. They also care for Hugh Miller’s cottage in Cromarty, Thomas Carlyle’s birthplace in Ecclefechan and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway on behalf of the people of Scotland.
