Explained: The legend of the A9 Soldier's Head landmark
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What is it?
It is a weird hanging rock formation on a cliff face at Slochd Summit beside the A9 trunk road between Inverness and Aviemore.
The spot is on the south-west slopes of Carn nam Bain-tighearna.
The intriguing landmark has gained several names over the years, but it is mostly known locally as the German Soldier. Some call it the Soldier's Head, the Roman Soldier or even Herman the German.
How was it created?
Geologically it is a mimetolith, the name for a naturally occurring rock formation that looks human. It is reckoned that natural erosion from the weather formed the striking landmark, although there have been unconfirmed claims that it was man made.
Where can it be seen can be seen?
The best view is from the A9 heading south just as you crest Slochd Summit, but drivers please keep your eyes on the road.
Slochd Summit is the second highest point on the trunk road between Inverness and Perth at a height of 1,328 ft (405 m), while the Pass of Drumochter further south is higher at 1,500 ft (460 m).
How old is it?
No one seems to know when it first appeared – but it's a pretty safe bet that it is as old as the hills!
What are the other explanations for the landmark?
Local myths or legends as to how it came to be include that is was chiselled out of the cliff by World War I German prisoners living in a camp nearby in memory of a fellow German soldier.
Another myth is that it was made in memory of a World War II German pilot who crash landed nearby.
The most convincing is that it is simply a naturally occurring mimetolith.
Will it survive the planned dual-carriageway being shoe-horned into the narrow Slochd pass?
There was some concern for the future of the Soldier's Head when the dualling of that section of A9 was was first announced, but further reassurance was given by Transport Scotland this week.
A spokesman said: "There is no direct impact to the Soldier’s Head from any works required for widening of the A9 in this location as part of the A9 dualling Dalraddy to Slochd scheme, as it is outwith the scheme footprint."
So whoever or whatever it is, the mysterious landmark seems set to intrigue passers-by for many more decades.
