Major General Sir Hector Macdonald, KCB, DSO ⋆ Ross and Cromarty Heritage

Major General Sir Hector Macdonald, KCB, DSO

Attribution: unknown (Greenhill street in Dingwall looking North)

Major General Sir Hector Macdonald, KCB, DSO

Although born at Mulbuie, on the Black Isle, Hector Macdonald was greatly revered by the people of Dingwall and on 11 May 1899 he was awarded the Freedom of the town. The photographs which follow are in the ownership of Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society.

Major General Sir Hector Archibald Macdonald, KCB, DSO

General Sir Hector Macdonald. Photograph may have been taken at Lemlair House.

Attribution: In ownership of RCHS.

Birthplace

In August 2019 Mr Ian McNeish gave permission for RCHS to reproduce this postcard, which he owns, showing the birthplace of Sir Hector Macdonald in the early part of the 20th century.

Rootfield near Dingwall, birthplace of Sir Hector MacDonald

Attribution: Ian McNeish

Freedom of Dingwall

On 13 May 1899 Sir Hector Macdonald was awarded the Freedom of Dingwall. The town was thronged for the occasion. This photograph has been taken outside the Masonic Hall (later the Picture House) and the building facing is the gable end of what is now Deas’ tearoom.

Freedom ceremony luncheon for Sir Hector Macdonald

Inside the Masonic Hall for luncheon. The Provost standing alongside Sir Hector Macdonald and Lady Macdonald in foreground.

Attribution: In ownership of RCHS.

General Sir Hector Macdonald awarded the Freedom of Dingwall

The crowd in Dingwall when Sir Hector Macdonald awarded the Freedom of Dingwall.

Attribution: In ownership of RCHS.

Shako and Freedom Casket

Sir Hector’s shako, or ceremonial hat, and the Freedom casket, both of which are in Dingwall Museum.

Freedom of Dingwall casket presented to Major General Sir Hector Macdonald in May 1899.

Attribution: Image in ownership of RCHS.

Sir Hector's shako, or ceremonial hat, decorated with ostrich feathers.

Attribution: Image in ownership of RCHS.

Minature Railway

When in due course the residents of Dingwall decided to honour Sir Hector by building the Macdonald Memorial on Mitchell Hill, this was a photograph of the miniature railway used to convey material to the top. The photograph can be seen in Dingwall Museum.

And a photograph of the miniature railway used in the construction of the Macdonald Memorial on Mitchell Hill.

Attribution: In ownership of RCHS.

The Sir Hector Macdonald Memorial on Mitchell Hill.

Attribution: In ownership of RCHS.

View More photos of Sir Hector and other famous Dingwall people

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Dingwall » Dingwall History » Dingwall Events

30 Dingwall Events

Remembrance Sunday parade. [Photo Dingwall Camera Club]

10A Dingwall Events

The great snow storm 1906. Cutting through a block on the Dingwall-Kyle railway at Achterneed.

09 Dingwall Events

The great snow storm (Dec. 1906). Getting ready to charge the huge mass that blocked the Skye line at Achterneed, near Dingwall.

10 Dingwall Events

The great snow storm (Dec. 1906). Clearing the block on the line at Achterneed, near Dingwall.

07 Dingwall Events

Hector Macdonald memorial with cannons presented in 1899 in situ.

06 Dingwall Events

Cannons in action on 23 May 1907 at the opening of the Hector Macdonald monument.

08 Dingwall Events

Modern photo of the monument, including cannon. [Photo RCHS]

15 Dingwall Events

Cast of Dingwall amateur operatic society's HMS Pinafore in early 20th century.

23 Dingwall Events

Fancy dress cycle parade participants from Muir of Ord, taken outside Dingwall Town Hall.

26 Dingwall Events

Coronation of King Geo9rge VI on 12 May 1937 - section of Dingwall's procession.

11 Dingwall Events

The Great Fleet moored at Cromarty would be an "event" for Dingwall people.

28 Dingwall Events

'Dod' Finlayson shaking hands with Prince Andrew (occasion?). First on left is Frazer Morrison; (George, or 'Dod', Finlayson was a Convener of Ross and Cromarty District Council; Fraser Morrison owned Morrison Construction).

22 Dingwall Events

Date unknown. Dingwall Players' production of "Quiet Weekend".

12 Dingwall Events

Presenting a gold key to the Countess of Cromartie 1904(?) following the opening of the refurbished town hall.

16 Dingwall Events

Coronation of King George V, 1911. Divine Service at Dingwall.

24 Dingwall Events

Opening of Dingwall bowling green, 1933.

29 Dingwall Events

Royal British Legion, Dingwall, Remembrance Service 1990. l-r: Rev Gordon Holroyd, Rev Graeme Henderson, Mrs Mary Deverill.

30 Dingwall Events

Royal British Legion, Dingwall, Remembrance Service 1990.

17 Dingwall Events

Unveiling of war memorial at the Ferry Road junction. Carnaby Lodge (later destroyed by fire) on left.

13 Dingwall Events

Seaforth and Mrs Stewart-Mackenzie arriving at municipal buildings, Dingwall, to receive the Freedom of the Burgh, 2 November 1906. Car registration JS1.

14 Dingwall Events

Workstall no. 2 Dingwall bowling club bazaar 28 August 1907. Written on the back: "This is one of the bazaar stall-holders. Very wet for two days. All well at home, hope this finds you likewise. Do you know any of them? Miss C.A. McRae, Stathmore, Hawick"