Scots have retained a distinct identity with unique customs, award-winning landscapes, rich heritage and stars like Robert Burns who still remain famous worldwide. Even down to our mythology and native languages, Scotland has its own flavour that is unrepeatable.
This fascinating legacy is captured by the plethora of statues scattered throughout the land that commemorate the nation’s most influential people and events such as famous Scottish kings or events like the Battle of Culloden.
Recently, it was announced that the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow would open a new Banksy exhibition. In a statement, the artist confirmed what drew him to that location was the Duke of Wellington statue there with its iconic cone hat.
He said: “This might sound absurd and pretentious (just wait until you see the rest of the exhibition) but it’s my favourite work of art in the UK and the reason I’ve brought the show here.”
In celebration of this recognition, let’s explore this legacy with these 25 ‘best’ Scottish statues as voted by Scotsman readers.
Recently, it was announced that the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow would open a new Banksy exhibition. In a statement, the artist confirmed what drew him to that location was the Duke of Wellington statue there with its iconic cone hat.
![The monument can be found at the bottom of Back Row in Selkirk and was erected to honour Mungo Park who was born at Foulshiels near Selkirk. He was a traveller who explored West Africa in the 18th century and reportedly became the first Westerner to visit the central part of the Niger River.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjMzZjhkZGFkLTZkOTMtNDcyOS1hZDE5LTA4YWE5MmVmNmNkMjpjZGYzOTQzNC1kNTBiLTQ2NGYtYjgzYy02Mzk1NDIyODIwNTY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
13. Mungo Park Monument
The monument can be found at the bottom of Back Row in Selkirk and was erected to honour Mungo Park who was born at Foulshiels near Selkirk. He was a traveller who explored West Africa in the 18th century and reportedly became the first Westerner to visit the central part of the Niger River. Photo: Walter Baxter on Geograph
![The Hamish McHamish statue is located in St Andrews and was built to honour the town’s well-loved local stray. While he technically did have an owner he would roam so far away from home that other locals worried for his well-being and took it upon themselves to feed him. This made him quite the local celebrity.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmI4OTkzNDBiLTNlZTUtNDgwNy05NTZmLWFkYWMyN2RmMGNlZTo2Zjg1NTBiMC02YTk4LTQ5NGQtODVjNy05ZTRhOWM0MjBkYWU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
14. Statue of Hamish McHamish
The Hamish McHamish statue is located in St Andrews and was built to honour the town’s well-loved local stray. While he technically did have an owner he would roam so far away from home that other locals worried for his well-being and took it upon themselves to feed him. This made him quite the local celebrity. Photo: via WikiCommons
![As written on The Celtic Wiki: “The statue stands at the front of the main entrance at Celtic Park, and is a great fitting tribute to the man we will forever be in awe of.” Stein is credited for guiding Celtic through nine successive Scottish League championships.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjlkNTZmZmE3LTVkNzYtNDY0Mi1iMzg3LWY5NzZkNWFlMmE0YzphODMxYzI1My00M2EyLTRkYjEtYmZiZC01MmE5ZDM3N2Y2Yzg=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
15. Jock Stein
As written on The Celtic Wiki: “The statue stands at the front of the main entrance at Celtic Park, and is a great fitting tribute to the man we will forever be in awe of.” Stein is credited for guiding Celtic through nine successive Scottish League championships. Photo: via WikiCommons
![Half lion and half fish, this statue can be found in Elgin’s High Street. Considered one of Scotland’s most ‘divisive’ statues, it’s design is said to reflect the local heritage and culture e.g., the mermaid tail represents the past fish market held on the Plainstones.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmVlMGFmMjM1LTJjNzQtNDNmYS1iMDZiLWFlOWMyODdiMzZjNTpjYmQ0NjRjZS00NjExLTQzNzItODNjZS1jNzgxNWEwOTllYTA=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
16. The Dandy Lion Statue
Half lion and half fish, this statue can be found in Elgin’s High Street. Considered one of Scotland’s most ‘divisive’ statues, it’s design is said to reflect the local heritage and culture e.g., the mermaid tail represents the past fish market held on the Plainstones. Photo: YouTube Screenshot via Nicola McAlley