Martyr's Stake — Attraction in Scotland

The Wigtown Martyrs, Scotland (1685)

It is an interesting but morbid piece of history. This example of two women tied to stakes illustrates the subjugation of women for defying religious or social patriarchal norms. While martyrdom can be an act of spiritual empowerment for women, it has also been used by oppressive patriarchal systems to punish and control them.

The case: During "The Killing Time" when Scottish Covenanters were persecuted, two women, Margaret McLachlan (aged 63) and Margaret Wilson (aged 18), were sentenced to be drowned by the rising tide in Wigtown Bay. Their crime was refusing to swear an oath acknowledging King James VII as the head of the church. Element of subjugation: The authorities deliberately tied the older woman in deeper water, forcing the younger Margaret Wilson to watch her die and pressuring her to recant. Both women died steadfastly for their beliefs, but the method of execution was specifically applied to women, indicating an element of...

A recurrent theme in these reviews is the state of the boardwalk to the monument. I can report that at Christmas 2022 it is again in a very poor state of repair. Parts have collapsed and road cones have been placed there as if that somehow makes it okay. It was very slippery, and negotiating the damaged sections just added to the sense of achievement in reaching the memorial stone. Given the gravity of the circumstances commemorated here, it would be nice to see a little more care for the site. Other than that, if you fancy a challenge, it is worth a visit. Don't let the prospect of twisting your ankle...

Not really appropriate to rate this.

Very poignant marker to the women who drowned at the spot for their beliefs. It's very well marked and although you can drive down to a small car park beside it, I would suggest you park in the town square and walk first to the church to see their grave then onto the stake. You can then walk back the way you came or walk on the long gravel path about a mile which will bring you out at the harbour. From there you can walk back up to where you left your car from...