File:Monument to Margaret Wilson (a Wigtown Martyr) - geograph.org.uk - 964954.jpg

English: Monument to Margaret Wilson (a Wigtown Martyr). See 270870 for an older photograph of the same monument.

The inscription at the base reads: 'Margaret, Virgin Martyr of the Ocean Wave, with her like-minded sister Agnes. "Love, many waters cannot quench" - God saves His chaste impearled One! in Covenant true. "O Scotia's daughters! earnest scan the Page" And prize this Flower of Grace blood-bought for you. Psalms IX.XIX.'

[Some personal observations: it would appear that the alteration, in the inscription, of "imperiled" to "impearled" was quite intentional; not only is the name Margaret derived from the Greek word for "pearl", but "impearled" may also be a poetic allusion to the manner of her death (see below).]

Though not directly connected with Stirling, these statues represent the traditional story of Margaret Wilson who, aged 18, was executed by drowning in the Solway Firth for refusing to renounce her Protestant Faith. A plaque nearby states that statues of heroes of the Scottish Presbyterian Reformation were set up when the cemetery was opened, and were part of the "educational and improving atmosphere of Victorian Stirling"; there were even cemetery guides.

Though it is not mentioned anywhere at this site, Margaret Wilson was one of the "Wigtown Martyrs". The grave of Margaret Wilson and other Wigtown Martyrs can be seen here: 937570, where the horizontal stone is that of Margaret Wilson. Another monument to their memory can be seen here: 937540, where the background story is briefly related.