Obelisk to William Dingwall Fordyce MP

There's a rather grand obelisk standing in the Aberdeenshire landscape near Turriff, erected to commemorate William Dingwall Fordyce, a local MP who clearly made enough of an impression to warrant a permanent stone monument. It's not the sort of thing that'll take up half your day - you're looking at a quick stop to see the structure itself and read whatever inscription remains legible after the Scottish weather's had its way with it.

Historically minded visitors will find it interesting enough as a relic of 19th-century local politics and the way communities once marked their prominent figures in stone rather than newspaper headlines. Walkers passing through the area might incorporate it into a broader route, though it's hardly a destination you'd plan an entire trip around. The real value here is context - understanding how Aberdeenshire's rural communities remembered their own.

Since you'll likely be based at one of the nearby caravan parks - East Balthangie is particularly well-regarded - this works as a gentle excursion from your pitch rather than a major outing. The Turriff area has enough going on that you won't feel shortchanged if the obelisk itself turns out to be more modest than you expected. Allow perhaps twenty minutes for a proper look, plus travel time from whichever park you're staying at. Access appears unrestricted, though opening hours aren't publicly advertised - best approach it during daylight and check locally if visiting in winter when Scottish days shorten dramatically.