Save this place and discover nearby attractions with NextOnTrip
In the app you can add it to your favorites, see what else is worth visiting nearby on the map, and earn a badge for your visit.
The app is available for iPhone and Android.
About this place
The Cameron Obelisk on Fassifern Road in Fort William is a grey granite monument from 1847 that overlooks the town in the Highland region of Scotland. It is a Category B listed structure. Despite the surname, it is not a military memorial and has no link to the Cameron Highlanders. It is a family tribute to a merchant ship captain.
Who is the obelisk dedicated to?
Sir Duncan Cameron of Fassfern erected the monument in 1847 for his brother, Captain Peter Cameron. Peter was the third son of Sir Ewen Cameron of Fassfern. He was born in Fort William and died at Blackheath in 1843. The main inscription describes him as captain of the Earl of Balcarras, an Indiaman, which was a large merchant sailing ship of the East India trade.
You will see the family estate spelled both Fassfern and Fassifern. The road name uses the longer form.
What does it look like?
The monument is a slender obelisk of grey granite ashlar. It rises from a square plinth with a cornice, set on a stepped base. A plaque of polished red stone with the main inscription sits in the south face, and a carved wreath decorates the west side.
A second plaque commemorates Ian Alastair Campbell. Its date has weathered away and can no longer be read. If you enjoy epigraphy or local clan history, both plaques are worth a close look.
Where exactly is it?
The obelisk stands on Fassifern Road in Fort William, in the historic county of Inverness-shire, at roughly 56.8178 N, 5.1091 W (OS grid reference NN103738). The site commands a view over the town, and the listing singles out this position as part of its interest. It lies in the civil parish of Kilmallie.
Why is it listed?
The monument was listed on 5 October 1971 and carries reference LB31785 in the Historic Environment Scotland register, formerly Historic Scotland. The Highland Council Historic Environment Record keeps it as MHG17317. Category B marks a building of regional importance.
What else is nearby?
Fort William is the main town of the western Highlands and the usual base for Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis. Other memorials in the area are easy to confuse with this one. On The Parade stands the 1909 bronze statue of Donald Cameron of Locheil by W. Birnie Rhind, and near Spean Bridge is the well-known Commando Memorial. At Corpach, on the edge of town, a separate obelisk honours Colonel John Cameron, who fell at Quatre Bras. The Fassifern Road obelisk is a smaller and quieter monument than any of these.
When should you visit?
The obelisk is an open-air monument, so you can see it in any season and without a ticket. A clear day gives the best photographs and the best outlook over the town. Highland weather changes quickly, so carry a waterproof jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Does the obelisk commemorate the Cameron Highlanders?
No. The 1847 monument honours Captain Peter Cameron, master of the Earl of Balcarras, who died in 1843. His brother paid for it.
Is there an entry fee?
No. It is a freestanding public monument, open to view all year.
What heritage status does it have?
It is Category B listed (LB31785), meaning regional importance, since 5 October 1971.
What is it made of?
Grey granite ashlar on a square, corniced plinth with a stepped base. The main plaque is polished red stone.
Nearby places
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.