The Character Statues

Dougal Cratur

Found on the west facade of the Scott monument.

The ‘Dougal Cratur’ (from the novel 'Rob Roy', 1817) looks like a wild character, wearing a kilt and sheepskin waistcoat, holding a circular shield or ‘targe’ and a dagger. He looks ready to fight or do battle.

Formerly a prisoner in the Glasgow Tolbooth, Dougal Gregor has subsequently become the turnkey, and as such admits Frank Osbaldistone in the company of "Mr Campbell" (Rob Roy in disguise), when they go to visit Owen, the imprisoned head clerk of Osbaldistone and Tresham.

Dougal, says Frank, "was a wild, shock-headed looking animal, whose profusion of red hair covered and obscured his features, which were otherwise only characterised by the extravagant joy that affected him at the sight of my guide. In my experience I have met nothing so absolutely resembling my idea of a very uncouth, wild, and ugly savage, adoring the idol of his tribe."

Dougal's is devoted to Rob Roy and pleases him by leading Captain Thornton's soldiers into an ambush. "Wha' wad hae thought," Rob comments, "there had been as muckle sense in his tatty pow, that ne'er had a better covering than his ain shaggy hassock of hair!"

About the Sculptor

Charles McBryde (1853 to 1903)

Charles McBryde was an Edinburgh sculptor who lived at 7 Hope Street Lane and created several portrait busts in marble.

He exhibited works at the Royal Academy in 1890 - these included busts of Archibald Campbell, 3rd Marquis of Argyll (1897) for St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh.

Other works include a bust of Andrew Carnegie (1891) for Edinburgh Central Public Library. Also fine portrait busts of Thomas Carlyle (1885), Sir Alex Grant, Principal of the University (1887), and Sir William Muir, Principal of the University (1900).

McBryde's works can also be found in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

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