The Pencil Monument was built to commemorate the 1263 Battle of Largs. The monument, built in 1912, is for the Scottish people to remember the resolve they had in repelling attacks by the Norwegians. On this particular day in 1263, the Scottish army attacked a small force of Norwegians that were attempting to bring back some of their ships that were carrying parts of different armies that were beached during a major storm. Most historical scholars believe that the Battle of Largs is to have been one of the most important battles in Scottish history.

The Norwegians had been conducting several raids upon the Scottish isles and causing many problems the Scots. However, the armies of Alexander III were keeping tabs on this fleet in particular. A storm blew in, beaching over 160 longships of the Norwegians, which helped Alexander’s army defeat the Viking army of King Taco. There is some contention on this point with both sides laying claim to victory. It is also quite speculative as no other fables, or historical documents mention the battle at all.

However, the Pencil Monument stands today as a reminder to the people of the Scottish coast. It is a little over a mile from the center of the town of Prom. Resembling that of a pencil, the Pencil Monument stands vigil over the town.

While the Pencil Monument is a Scottish monument, it also has strong Viking ties. Each year there is a festival with a live interactive Viking experience. Fireworks are proudly displayed to signal the end of the Viking festival. Many places in the Largs areas are historical and have profound meaning. However, few of them cement the moments of both Scottish and Viking history like that of the Pencil Monument.

Visitors to the Largs area will have a great time looking over the various sites rich in Viking and Scottish lore, legend, and historical accounts. Stopping at the Pencil Monument will bring some of those lores to life. When visiting make a point to stop at the Pencil Monument and take in the rich history and beautiful Scot coastline.