On Caledonia Hill, one of the “koppies” (hills) along Kensington Ridge in Johannesburg, is the site of the Scottish Horse Memorial
This memorial made of granite, can be reached by a flight of stone steps leading up from Highland Road, Kensington. The site offers magnificent views towards the city and over the surrounding hills.
In the shape of an Iona Cross with a superimposed sword (a 16th Century two-handed true claymore or claidheamhmor), the memorial proudly bears the Scottish shield of lion rampant and royal treasure.
The panels (first bronze, now stone) record the names of twelve officers, nine sergeants, five corporals, three lance corporals, forty-three troopers and four Zulu scouts who were "killed in action and died of wounds in the South African Boer War between1901-2". These included two officers commanding the 2nd Scottish Horse, and the adjutants of 1st and 2nd Scottish Horse. Also commemorated are the one officer, fourteen NCOs and 33 troopers who died "from disease or accident".
Shamefully vandals damaged the name plaques in 1961, and in later years dug a hole right through the walls of the monument, presumably in search of something valuable to sell.
For many years now renovations to this Kensington landmark, and seating arrangements to admire the beautiful view, have been on the agenda.
