Kilchenzie Cemetery, Kintyre

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.

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A Historical Journey

Stepping into Kilchenzie Cemetery is akin to stepping back in time. The cemetery’s history dates back centuries, with gravestones that bear witness to the lives of individuals from various eras. Some markers proudly declare their presence from as far back as the 18th century, connecting us to a time when the village and its surrounding areas were shaped by the events of the day.

As you wander through the rows of gravestones, you’ll encounter names that resonate with the history of the region. Families that once tilled the land, communities that thrived, and individuals who played a pivotal role in shaping Kilchenzie’s narrative are all commemorated here. Each stone is a chapter in a larger story, a testament to the lives lived and the legacies left behind.

The present parish church, now disused, at Kilchoman was erected in 1827 and replaced an earlier building on the same site. The dedication was presumably to one of the several Irish saints named Comman and the existence of two early Christian cross slabs nearby suggests an Early Christian establishment of some importance. The medieval church with its dependant chapels at Kilchiaran, Kilnave and Nerabolls, served a parish covering the whole of the Rhinns of Islay. It was an independent parsonage in the gift of the Lord of the Isles.

Within the churchyard, to the S of the church, there are more than twenty medieval carved grave slabs or fragments of grave slabs and other carved stone, displaying a wide range of motifs common to such monuments and mostly dating from the 14th-15th centuries. These include three grave-markers bearing effigies of priest in Eucharistic vestments. Several of the grave-markers have been re-used and bear 17th century inscriptions to members of the Campbell family along with various symbols of mortality, and in one case the Campbell gyronny-of-eight and the galley of Lorn. Among the post-medieval churchyard monuments, one is of note. It bears a representation of a lighthouse, perhaps the Bell Rock Light, and the inscription JA[ME]S B SCOT /AUG[UST] 20TH 1845.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

A Serene Sanctuary

Beyond its historical significance, Kilchenzie Cemetery offers visitors a serene sanctuary for contemplation and reflection. Surrounded by gently rolling hills and lush greenery, the cemetery is a place where time seems to slow down. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant call of birds create a peaceful atmosphere that encourages introspection.

Many who visit Kilchenzie Cemetery find solace in its tranquility. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of nature or the weight of history, this sacred ground provides a space to reconnect with one’s thoughts and emotions. It’s a place where one can remember loved ones, pay respects to those who came before, or simply find respite from the demands of modern life.