The monument was erected in 1824 in memory of John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun (1765–1823).

There is an inscription on the monument which states: "This monument was erected to the memory of the Great and Good John, Fourth Earl of Hopetoun by his affectionate and grateful tenantry in East Lothian.

[1] A path runs from a small car park at the base of the hill, winding up steeply through wooded slopes, and a corridor of gorse, before coming out onto the open hilltop.

A similar monument to the 4th Earl of Hopetoun stands on Mount Hill near Cupar in Fife, and was built in 1826.

[2] Media related to Hopetoun Monument, East Lothian at Wikimedia Commons