It was a cold, overcast morning in early October 1942. Few men remained in the village of Lower Breakish. The war weighed heavily on the people of Skye. They did not know what might be waiting for them on the island’s shores – or what they themselves would soon have to face. Warships moved through... Continue Reading →
Fishing Folklore: The Turf of Trotternish
The Isle of Skye, known for its rugged beauty and rich history, is home to tales of the MacLeod clan, particularly in Dunvegan. A humorous legend recounts three fishermen unable to relieve themselves at sea, until turf from their homeland provided a solution, highlighting the island's mix of myth and practicality.
Humorous Funerals: The Petty Step Tradition
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.
Loch Maree: Scotland’s Deadly Botulism Incident
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 →
Discovering Old Castleton Graveyard: A Hidden Scottish Gem
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.
The Grave of Catherine Rolland: A Legacy of Charity and Devotion
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.
Bishop Elphinstone’s Grave
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 →
Echoes of the Reformation: Scotland’s Battle Over Burial Rites
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 →
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. K A Historical Journey Stepping into Kilchenzie Cemetery is akin... Continue Reading →
The Tragic B-24 Liberator Crash at Fairy Lochs
On 13 June 1945, a USAAF B-24 Liberator bomber tragically crashed near Gairloch, killing all fifteen crew members. The site, now a memorial at the Fairy Lochs, commemorates their lives lost after surviving the war. Visitors are urged to respect the area, preserving its memory as a solemn war grave.


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