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| The McDiarmid Memorial Whita Hill, Langholm, Dumfriesshire Scotland This giant iron monument stands on a hill outside Langholm in the Scottish Lowlands. Hugh McDiarmid was the pen name of Christopher Murray Grieve, communist, Scottish nationalist and arguably the greatest figure in 20th century Scottish literature. It is designed as an "open book" in tribute to McDiarmid's poetry and writings during his long life. Christopher Murray Grieve, the son of a postman, was born in Langholm in 1892. He joined the Independent Labour Party (ILP) in 1908. He was a member of the Communist Party from 1934 until 1938 -- when he left over disagreements on the Scottish national question. A founder member of the National Party of Scotland he rejoined the Communist Party in 1956 in support of the Soviet intervention to crush the counter-revolution in Hungary. He remained a member until his death on 9th September 1978. |