In the penultimate episode of the hit BBC TV show “The Traitor”, the spectacular Fyrish Monument took centre stage, offering a dramatic backdrop to a crucial challenge for the contestants. Situated in the Scottish Highlands, this 18th-century folly has captivated viewers and sparked curiosity about its origins.
The Fyrish Monument, a mock ruin constructed on the summit of Cnoc Fyrish, was commissioned by local landowner General Sir Hector Munro of Novar in the 1780s. Using his prize money and military pensions earned from service in India, Munro built the monument to resemble the fortress gates of Nagapattinam, a town that saw fierce battles between British and French forces during that era.
According to local legend, Munro used the construction of the folly as a means to provide employment for the surrounding community. Rumour has it that he would even roll large boulders down the hill at night to keep the labourers occupied for longer.
Now a Category B-listed structure, the Fyrish Monument stands atop a 1,500-foot (450-metre) hill, offering breathtaking views of the Cromarty Firth and the surrounding countryside. The challenging two- to three-hour hike to the summit is not for the faint of heart, as evidenced by the contestants’ struggles during the latest “Traitor” episode.
In the challenge, the remaining players were tasked with carrying pieces of gold to the top of the monument, filling a “Shield of Fyrish” that had been added for the show. While Faithful James had to stop to be sick after the gruelling climb, Traitor Rachel described the ascent as “harder than childbirth”. Ultimately, the contestants successfully completed the challenge, adding £10,000 to the jackpot for the final episode.
The Fyrish Monument’s striking appearance and prominent role in “The Traitor” have undoubtedly piqued the interest of viewers, who are now eager to learn more about this captivating piece of Scottish history. As the series reaches its dramatic conclusion, the monument’s enduring legacy continues to captivate and inspire.
