James Traill Calder

This statue was raised in appreciation of the life and work of James Traill Calder, (1784 - 1864) who was born in Castletown and was schoolmaster at Canisbay 

He was the author of that famous work “The History of Caithness. “

The idea for the statue came from the eminent Wicker, John Horne, who was keen to see the work of J.T.Calder honoured, and it was his enthusiasm coupled with the support of the Glasgow Caithness Association which made the scheme possible

The foundation stone was laid on Saturday 14^th. July 1900 and it was said that the site, on the brae head behind the railway station, was a commanding one in every way.

The stone was laid by Baillie Simpson, under the supervision of Mr John Hood Sculptor.

Under the foundation is a jar, containing, a parchment on the proceedings of the day, a complete list of subscribers, a first edition copy of Calder’s History of Caithness, copies of the John O’ Groat Journal and Northern Ensign, a copy of the latest meeting of The Glasgow Caithness, and a copy of Songs and Singers of Caithness.

J T Calder died in Shapinsay in Orkney in 1864 and is buried in Canisbay Churchyard.