A few old graves along a high granite wall are all that's left of the old burial ground of the Erskine Mary-kirk in Stirling; a church created in the 1740s when Rev Ebenezer Erskine and his followers split from the Church of Scotland to establish their own church. It wasn't an intrinsically new church, more... Continue Reading →
Five years into the Second World War, Poland succumbed to the German forces. Young Polish soldiers joined the Allied Forces wherever they could. Nearly 40.000 came to Scotland, an army in exile, willing to fight. In July of 1940, Scottish people did everything to make the Polish soldiers feel welcome, not only by cheering them... Continue Reading →
This church, as probably many others all over the country, has seen decisive events in the history of this nation. A king was crowned within these walls when he was just over a year old; a baby still. The Protestant Church of the Holy Rude (founded at 1129) was the stage where the son of... Continue Reading →
Nellfield Cemetery, a large graveyard that goes back to the first half of the 19th century. Hidden away behind high walls in Aberdeen’s west end, the cemetery seems to hide a history that is not a pleasant one. In the summer of 1899, at six o’clock in the morning, official excavations disrupted the peace and... Continue Reading →
The Scottish warrior and hero of a nation was captured by the English and suffered an atrocious death. Taken to London and hanged, drawn and quartered, his head was put up on London Bridge, the four parts of the body taken to four different places of the realm: Berwick, Perth, Newcastle seem certain. The fourth... Continue Reading →
What is now a graveyard, hidden away in the grounds of the University of Aberdeen, was once a church: The Snow Kirk. A rather unusual name for a church in Scotland. It goes back to Rome and the Basilica Santa Maria Magggiore, also known as Sancta Maria Maggiore ad Nives, Saint Mary of the Snows.... Continue Reading →
St Andrews – Scotland, Saint and SaltireSt Andrews is the heart of Scotland in many ways. One reason is its name, taken from the patron saint of Scotland who is said to be buried here. “St Andrew has been celebrated in Scotland for over a thousand years, with feasts being held in his honour as far... Continue Reading →
The story of a Viking Princess, a white cow and a love death could not part - Craigmonie This is an ancient site. Not a graveyard in itself but a place of death: Craigmonie, sometimes spelled Craigmony, a small hill at the back of Drumnadrochit. A beautiful and well-marked walk (1) takes you there. After... Continue Reading →
Kirkhill – a peaceful and quiet burial ground East of Beauly. St Mary’s, the old Wardlaw Parish Church, goes back to 17th century, the belfry dates back to 1722. Quite some time before that, probably some time in the early 17th century, an extraordinary event took place here in this very graveyard during a funeral. The... Continue Reading →
St Monans is probably the church in Scotland which is closest to the sea. So ist the surrounding graveyard. A dramatic setting for a church built in 14th century. Dramatic is a term often encountered here. The church, named after Saint Monan, an Irish monk who had come here in 9th century and was slain... Continue Reading →
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 […]
Grace Darling, born in 1815, became famous for her courageous sea rescue of Forfarshire survivors in 1838. She passed away in 1842 and is buried in Bamburgh, where a monument marks her legacy. Celebrated in literature and art, her story inspires future generations, symbolizing bravery and compassion.
Graveyards of Scotland 
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