Created by the sculptor Jake Harvey, the MacDiarmid Memorial is dedicated to one of Scotland's greatest poets of the 20th century. Born Christopher Murray Grieve on 11 August 1892 in Langholm, Hugh MacDiarmid spent the majority of his life away from his birthplace but returned as often as possible, particularly to enjoy the Common Riding.
He was a joint-founder of the Scottish National Party and lover of Scotland. His first collection Annals of the Five Senses was published in 1923 followed by Penny Wheep, Three Hymns to Lenin and A Kist of Whistles.
Today you can follow The Hugh MacDiarmid Trail from his birth-place in Arkingholm Terrace to his last resting place in Langholm cemetery.