Coatbridge – The Monk

Situated at the junction of Woodside Street and Lismore Drive is a statue of a hooded monk, carrying a large stone on his shoulders.

The sculpture represents a local myth about a strong and wealthy monk who was punished for a sin and was forced to carry a heavy stone as far as he could from Glasgow. Wherever the stone fell, he was to build a church at his own expense. It is said that the church he built is Old Monkland Kirk, and half of the alleged stone, known as the Monkland Stane, can still be seen in its porch.

The Kirk was founded in 1170. The monk is also found on the town’s coat of arms. The town’s motto translates from Latin as ‘to work is to pray’.

The sculpture, created by Michael Snowden, was unveiled in 2004.

To see more works by Michael Snowden, click HERE.