Scolty Hill became a public landmark through the tower built on its summit in 1840 to honour General William Burnett, who served with Wellington. Plantation forestry later reshaped the slopes, while paths made the summit a popular walk from Banchory. Restoration in 1992 added a viewing platform and secured the…
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Scolty Hill became a public landmark through the tower built on its summit in 1840 to honour General William Burnett, who served with Wellington. Plantation forestry later reshaped the slopes, while paths made the summit a popular walk from Banchory. Restoration in 1992 added a viewing platform and secured the monument above the Dee valley.
How it formed
Rock shaped by long erosion and ice forms a modest but distinct hill rising close to Banchory and the River Dee.
People and events
The Burnett family raised the memorial tower in 1840, foresters planted the slopes and local volunteers restored the structure in 1992.
Local stories
The tower connects the quiet local hill with General Burnett's service in the wider wars fought under the Duke of Wellington.
What can be seen
The granite memorial tower, added viewing platform, forestry tracks, planted woods and open summit remain above Banchory.
Why it mattered
Scolty mattered because a family military memorial and later public paths turned an ordinary hill into Banchory's defining viewpoint.
Sources for this account
Sources checked 16 August 2026.
Scolty Wood, General Burnett's MonumentCommemorative Monument · 4 yd
Scolty WoodField Boundary(s) · 528 yd
ScoltyEnclosure · 582 yd
ArdlairNo Class (event) · 1082 yd
Strachan, CemeteryCemetery (20th Century) · 1580 yd
Hill of GoauchMountain / peak · 1725 yd
StrachanVillage · 1.1 mi
Strachan War MemorialMemorial · 1.1 mi
Falls of FeughWaterfall · 1.6 mi
Craig of Affrusk WoodForest · 1.6 mi
Captain's WoodWood · 1.7 mi
Hill of TillylairMountain / peak · 2.2 mi
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