Lumsden Monument

Lumsden’s tomb is thought to be the first Scottish Renaissance monument. It is distinctive as the only Mural Monument to have a raised stage. The monument bears the Lumsden’s coat of arms and to the right of the frieze, the head of a bald man with a moustache and beard, thought to be a representation of James himself.

 

James Lumsden of Airdrie (1555-1598) inherited a large family estate in his youth. He married Euphemia Douglas in 1577 and they had two daughters, Helen and Agnes.

 

According to the Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, Lumsden was twice 'put to the horn', or declared as a rebel. In 1590 he was charged alongside his servant David Ferry with possessing a royal jewel, although they were exonerated on returning the jewel. In 1592 he was suspected in a plot against James VI.  Lumsden transferred his estate to his brother Robert in 1596-1597, before his death in 1598.