Tower dedicated to 'Fighting Mac' soldier reopened to public

A tower dedicated to a Victorian soldier nicknamed Fighting Mac has been reopened to the public following refurbishment.

Maj Gen Sir Hector MacDonald fought in wars in Afghanistan and was an aide to Queen Victoria.

He took his own life in a Paris hotel in 1903 after fellow officers spread rumours about his sexuality.

The 100ft (30m) MacDonald Monument in his hometown of Dingwall has been closed for a number of years but funding, including £175,000 from Highland Council, paid for a restoration project.

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The B-list landmark, which was built in 1907, required extensive structural upgrades.

Visitors can climb 127 steps to the top of the monument for views over Dingwall, and the small community of Mulbuie where MacDonald was raised by a poor crofting family.

Highland councillor Margaret Paterson, who led tours of the tower with her husband Tommy 50 years ago, said she was delighted it was open again to local residents and visitors from all over the world.

Nigel Greenwood, of Dingwall Community Council, thanked all those involved in the project to restore the monument.

He said Highland Council staff worked with architects, and local councillors helped to secure the funding.

"I'm very happy to get this far after several years of ups and downs," he said.

Sir Hector was the son of a Ross-shire crofter but rose through the ranks of the military, from teenage soldier to senior officer.

He was regarded as a brilliant military strategist by his peers, and known for leading his soldiers from the front. Some of his tactics continued to be used in modern times.

Rumours about sexual activity with young men led to threats of a court martial.

However, his supporters, including members of the Clan Donald Society, believe the rumours were the result of class snobbery and spite among fellow officers.

Funds secured for Victorian soldier memorial revamp