Lady Mary’s Seat

Located near a muddy forest track in Battersby Plantation this seat has been carved out of a large boulder. It is inscribed “LADY MARY ROSS 1837”. The area must have changed considerably since the seat was carved. In 1837 there would have been no forestry plantation. Instead a wood called Park Plantation with views overlooking Ingleby Manor. Lady Mary Ross was the mother of Mary Foulis of Ingleby Manor and the wife of Sir Charles Lockhart-Ross 7th Baronet and although their family estate was at Balnagowan in Ross-shire, she must have been a frequent visitor to Ingleby. This was said to be her favourite walk. Lady Mary Ross died in 1842.