David Douglas Memorial, Scone Old Church
Church of Scotland
Born in Scone in 1799, David Douglas, is believed to have attended school in nearby Kinnoull. Spending his time roaming the countryside around his home proved excellent preparation for later life when he was to become one of the greatest plant hunters and explorers of America’s northwest.
Through a gardening job on Scone Estate, Douglas’ interest in flowers, trees, birds and animals was encouraged by Head Gardener William Beattie. His talent as a young naturalist was further developed through work with William Hooker at the Botanical Gardens in Glasgow.
It was his recommendation to the Horticultural Society in London that allowed Douglas to undertake his first plant collecting expedition to the eastern part of North America.
Douglas introduced more than 200 new plants to Britain, including the Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), some of the other most important trees in our countryside and many commonly grown garden plants. He died in the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii), but a fitting memorial to him stands in the grounds of the old church at Scone.
Visit any time of year.
Location
Access via a return walk of 2 miles/ 3 km through Quarrymill Woodland Park on the A93 in Perth or signposted off the main road through Scone.
Public transport & other facilities
Take either the bus to Scone from Perth or to Blairgowrie from Perth and walk through Quarrymill Woodland Park.
The main car park is at Quarrymill Woodland Park where a small café is open during the summer months. Alternatively, there is a small car park beside the Church in Scone.
Facilities are found in Scone or in nearby Perth.
