The 1st Marquis of Montrose Society was formed in 1995 and was the inspiration of Alan Macpherson Yr. of Cluny.
A passionate and informative follower of Montrose for many years Alan recognised that, despite being one of Scotland's most noble and militarily gifted leaders, the fascinating exploits of James Graham the 1st Marquis were little recognised.
The main aim of the society is to take every opportunity to promote the name of the 1st Marquis and to attempt to raise public awareness of both him and the impact which he had on Scotland during the civil war period.
To this end the society is active in not only raising the profile of James Graham, but also in attempting to get many of the important sites associated with the 1st Marquis better recognised.
News
Programme for 2013
Following a highly successful year last year, the Quatercentenial (400th) anniversary of Montrose’s birth, we are just starting to get our breath back and thinking about organising events for the coming year.
Honorary Membership
First of all, we are delighted to announce that the eminent historian Professor Ted Cowan has accepted an invitation to become an honorary member of the society. Ted fronted Caledonia TV’s documentary on Montrose, screened last November, and he has also written a fine biography, ‘Montrose – For Covenant and King’. Ted will be made very welcome in the society.
AGM
Our AGM this year will be on Saturday 18th May, where we will pay tribute at the Montrose memorial in St. Giles, before heading to the Royal Scots Club for our meeting.
Our guest speaker at the meeting this year will be Bruce Bishop, FSA Scotland. Bruce is a recognised authority on burial grounds in Scotland and he was a great help to the society in 2011 when he, and the ‘Friends of Bellie Kirk’, helped us place a memorial to John Graham, Montrose’s eldest son and heir, in the grounds of the old kirk (John Graham died at nearby Bog of Gight in 1645 whilst on campaign with his father). Bruce’s paper to the society will be entitled, "Montrose - Auldearn to Alford 1645".
Autumn Field Trip
The autumn trip will this year be held over the weekend 27 to 29th September, when the society will base itself at the Castlecary Hotel, Kilsyth. A guided tour of Kilsyth battlefield, as well as planned visits to the castles of Stirling and Mugdock, will be on the itinerary.
Memorials
This year will see the society active in proposals to raise 2 more memorials, at Tippermuir and Philiphaugh battlefields. If you have an interest in James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose, and the fascinating history of Scotland in the 17th century, why don’t you join us? New members are always welcome.