MacFadzean's Monument, Castle Hill
5 2
May 2012
MacFadzean's Monument commmorates Dr Alexander MacFadzean (1788-1849) a respected
local physician and philanthropist.
The story below, which gives more information on Dr MacFadzean was published
in the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald of 18 January 2017.
MONUMENT TO GET RESTORED by Paul Fisher, reporter
A monument which towers above Ardrossan will be restored by North Ayrshire Council
over the next few months. MacFadzean's Monument, situated on the town's Castle
Hill, is easily seen from many points throughout the area and this will continue
thanks to the restoration work. Named after Dr Alexander MacFadzean, the monument
commemorates his work as the originator of proposing to form Ardrossan into
a burgh. He was also instrumental in pressing for the supply of piped water
to the town, a scheme which was completed after his death in 1860. He is also
credited with helping to build a police station and promoting schemes to provide
street lighting as well as water and gas to every house. The obelisk on Castle
Hill was erected shortly after his death and is now listed as a Grade B monument.
A North
Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: "We are in the early stages of a restoration
programme to conserve and repair MacFadzean's Monument, on Castle Hill, Ardrossan,
which is now almost 170 years old. It is hoped that this work will ensure the
long-term security of an important monument which remembers the work of one
of Ardrossan's favourite sons, Dr Alexander MacFadzean. The conservation work
will include rebuilding the existing dilapidated masonry work and replacing
some of the masonry with matching stone. The base of the obelisk and paving
will also be restored. The scaffold has been erected to allow the conservation
architect and contractor to safely assess the monument ahead of the restoration
work which is expected to be carried out in the coming months".
MacFadzean's Monument is also featured in Castle Hill 6, Castle Hill 7, Castle Hill 8, Castle Hill 15, Castle Hill 16 and Castle Hill 17.