This cache is the twin of 'Hopetoun Monument' in East Lothian. The
two monuments are very similar, although unfortunately it is not
possible to climb to the top of this one on Mount Hill.
In the early 16th century there was a fortified keep called the
Castle of The Mount. This was a square stone keep of four storeys
beneath a parapet and wall-walk, with a garret story above, all
surrounded by a high defensive wall with a gatehouse, enclosing a
courtyard with lower lean-to domestic outbuildings. None of these
original buildings remain today. The Mount was also the birthplace
of David Lyndsay who is best known for his satirical play 'The
Three Estates' which was first acted in Cupar in June 1535.
Hopetoun monument is a 95 foot Doric column built in 1824 in
memory of Sir John Hope, the 4th Earl of Hopetoun (1765 - 1823) who
was an heroic soldier who fought in the Battle of Corunna during
the Peninsula War. The British made a winter retreat under terrible
conditions across the mountains from Astorga to the coast at
Corunna, with the intention of escaping by sea. The French attacked
with much greater numbers, but the British won and the French
suffered huge casualties. Hope distinguished himself in this battle
and took command of the British Army when General Moore was killed.
A statue of Sir John Hope is in front of Dundas House in
Edinburgh's St Andrew's Square, as he was a governor of the Royal
Bank of Scotland.
Park at N56 19.861 W003 04.233. Access to the top of Mount Hill
is by an established right of way, following the Scottish Rights of
Way Society signposts. Please follow the Countryside Access Code.
Fires must not be lit and dogs must be kept on leads at all times
to avoid disturbing wildlife and nesting birds. The landowner has
given permission for this cache and I have assured him that
geocachers are respectful of the environment.
The signal won't be very accurate under the trees, but the clue
should get you to the right place.