In Scotland, particularly in Petty, a unique funeral custom involved mourners racing with coffins to the graveyard, driven by the belief that the last person buried would haunt the place. This tradition, known as the Petty Step, ended in 1841 after a near mishap, and today, the graveyard remains neglected.
This broken tombstone marks the grave of a man, who was hit by the force of tragedy so strongly, that he found it impossible to go on. Alexander Robertson died not long after disaster stuck his hotel on Loch Maree and was buried in the ancient burial ground of Isle Maree, the very place where... Continue Reading →
Moniack Burial Ground, a secluded family cemetery above Reelig Glen, holds the graves of the Fraser family, marking their historical significance. Notable burials include Rory Fraser, who died in Rhodesia, and Vanessa Vanneck, linking modern generations to their heritage. This unmarked site encapsulates Scotland's expansive story of migration and family legacy.
Old Castleton Graveyard, or St. Martin’s Churchyard, is a historic site in the Scottish Borders, marking the resting places of generations after the medieval church was dismantled in the 19th century. It endures as a space for reflection, connecting the present with the area's turbulent history and inviting rediscovery of forgotten tales.
St. Ebba’s Churchyard in Beadnell honors the legacy of St. Ebba, a Northumbrian princess born around 615. She became the influential Abbess of Coldingham, shaping early Christian traditions in Scotland. The site reflects her enduring impact, connecting generations through her story and the rich history of early Celtic monasticism.
Catherine Rolland, who passed away on Christmas Eve in 1659, was a prominent figure in Aberdeen's history. A member of the noble Rolland family, her legacy includes founding bursaries at Marischal College and providing for her family in times of need. Her charitable actions and commitment to education ensure her remembrance for generations.
A Monument to Aberdeen University’s Visionary Founder If you ever find yourself wandering through the ancient heart of Old Aberdeen, make sure to step into the breathtaking King’s College Chapel. There, nestled in quiet reverence, lies a tomb unlike any other—the final resting place of Bishop William Elphinstone, the man who quite literally put Aberdeen... Continue Reading →
St Peter's Cemetery, Aberdeen The way we bury our dead says a lot about the times we live in. In Scotland, the transition from medieval Catholicism to Protestantism brought dramatic changes—not just in how people worshipped but also in how they mourned. After the Reformation, traditional funeral practices like singing psalms and saying prayers at... Continue Reading →
Since the burial of their dead In cliffs above the sea, The dead had made the world a home, The land a cemetery. Ancestors within the hill Carried still the blood Down to the son who stood there, Earth a great grave in his head. K A Historical Journey Stepping into Kilchenzie Cemetery is akin... Continue Reading →
Machrie Moor, located on the Isle of Arran, features ancient stone circles steeped in mystery and folklore. Known in Gaelic as "The Moor of the Standing Stones," it evokes eerie connections to ghostly spirits. The site endures numerous excavations, symbolizing forgotten pasts and hidden secrets that echo throughout the landscape, enriching narratives such as in "Das Grab am Meer."
In the heart of Rastatt lies a quiet green space beside the modern clinic. At first glance, the Alter Friedhof Rastatt – the Old Cemetery of Rastatt – appears to be little more than a peaceful park. Yet beneath its trees rests one of the most politically charged memorial sites in Baden. Here, the stories […]
Lindisfarne graveyard on Holy Island, Northumberland, symbolizes centuries of faith and history, overlooking Lindisfarne Priory’s ruins. A significant site since the 7th century, it holds the remains of islanders and clergy. The graveyard fosters reflection and connection to St Cuthbert, attracting visitors seeking inspiration and tranquility amid a sacred legacy.
Bamburgh, with its dramatic coastal setting and rich history, has revealed yet another fascinating chapter of its past. Decades of dedicated research by the Bamburgh Research Project and Durham University, in collaboration with the Bamburgh Castle Estate, have shed light on the lives of Anglo-Saxons who inhabited this area over a thousand years ago. The […]
Graveyards of Scotland 
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