The cache takes you along a grassy path to the memorials of several notable figures of the area. In particular that of Susan Scott Carnegie.
Born in 1744 to the treasurer of the Bank of Scotland, Susan's life was privileged. She was taught at home by a governess and enjoyed poetry and languages. In 1769 she married George Carnegie of Pitarrow, owner of the Charleton estate. They lived at nearby Charleton House. The house has had other uses since including as a maternity home, however it has recently been demolished. The land now forms part of a fruit farm.
Susan had nine children and only her first died in infancy which was a good record for the times. She later also fostered orphaned children. Her father had ensured that she would be financially secure but Susan was determined to put her money and influence to good use.
In collaboration with the Kirk Session, Susan encouraged churchgoers to give to the church collection according to their station in life and that this fund would be used to improve the lives of the poor in Montrose.
At this time the mentally ill in the town were herded together in the Tolbooth at the back of the Town House. They were kept behind bars with no heat or lighting and only straw to lie on. Susan worked with the then Provost, Alexander Christie to raise funds for the creation of the first Scottish Asylum in 1781, known as The Montrose Lunatic Asylum, Infirmary and Dispensary. It was built on the Montrose Links bounded by Barrack Road, Ferry Road and Garrison Road. The first patient was admitted on 6th May 1782. James Booth was appointed keeper, which he undertook for the next 40 years. The patients were encouraged to sew, read, paint and do gardening.
Susan described her purpose in founding the asylum,
"To rid the town of Montrose of a nuisance, that of mad people being kept in prison in the middle of the street and hope that by providing a quiet and convenient asylum for them, by good treatment and medical aid, some of those unfortunates might be restored to society."
A new improved Asylum with better facilities was completed in 1858, situated in lands of the farm of Sunnyside, in the village of Hillside, on the outskirts of Montrose. It still operates today as a hospital for the mentally ill.
Susan Scott Carnegie continued to work to improve conditions for the poor as well as those for the mentally ill until her death in 1821.