A tall octagonal granite tower records Macduff’s war dead in a form that can be read across the town as well as at close range.
Quick facts
- Date
- 1920; later Second World War commemoration
- Architect / designer
- Henderson and Fowlie
- Type
- Five-stage octagonal granite memorial tower
- Designation
- Listed building, Category B (LB37631)
- OS grid reference
- NJ 70464 64314
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
Five narrowing stages rise from a stepped base. Polished name plaques contrast with bull-faced and tooled granite, small openings light an internal stair, and a deep crenellated wallhead completes the silhouette.
Its story
Henderson and Fowlie designed the memorial in 1920. Prince and Princess Arthur of Connaught laid its foundation stone on 15 April, and further plaques later extended remembrance to the Second World War.
Why it is included
Category B listing recognises the commanding siting, distinctive tower form and direct association with public mourning after both world wars.
What to notice
- The octagonal transition through five stages.
- Alternating small openings for the internal stair.
- Name plaques set into the lowest stage.
Reading the surroundings
Approach only by public paths and respect commemorative events, wreaths and inscriptions. Do not assume that the tower interior is open.
Timeline
- 15 April 1920 Royal visitors laid the foundation stone for the town’s memorial.
- After 1945 Additional names extended remembrance to a second conflict.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Current internal access, conservation condition and the schedule of ceremonies were not independently verified.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Macduff War Memorial, LB37631 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: LB37631 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
Location
OS grid reference NJ 70464 64314 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms record identity and archival context. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
Suggest a marker correction
Suggest a more accurate position
The teal marker is the current published position. The orange marker starts slightly to its right so both remain visible; this is only a visual starting position. Tap the correct place on the map or drag the orange marker. Sending this form creates a private review entry only; it does not move the published marker.
Check this area in Google Maps Choose the Satellite layer there if useful.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors. You can also enter checked coordinates below.