Farewell, thou little blooming bud Just bursting into flower. Raymond Lamont-Brown: Scottish Epitaphs. Chambers, Edinburgh, 1990
wisdom, wit, and common sense
Portree used to be called Kiltaraglen, named after an old chapel dedicated to Talorgan or Talarican, a Culdee monk of distinction. The Loch was called Saint Columba’s Loch. This all changed when King James V landed here in 1540. The place and the loch were now port-an-righ, the King’s landing place. About two hundred... Continue Reading →
Funny Scottish Epitaphs: The Falkirk Flirt
Here lies in peace secure A lass inclined to mirth Who by way of making sure Took her paradise on earth. Raymond Lamont-Brown: Scottish Epitaphs. Chambers, Edinburgh, 1990
Funny Scotttish Epitaphs: William Pepper of Fife
Tho' hot my name, yet mild my nature, I bore goodwill to every creature, I brewed good ale, and sold it too, And unto each I gave his due. Raymond Lamont-Brown: Scottish Epitaphs. Chambers, Edinburgh, 1990
buckets full of thumbs
This is Kilfinichen or Kilfinichan. Once a medieval church stood here. Now it is a private estate. It was merged with the parish of Kilvickeon, whose church was destroyed during the Reformation. The people that ruled and dominated this area on the island of Mull in the past, were the MacLeans, a very powerful clan... Continue Reading →
Funny Scottish Epitaphs: without a sob
In hope to sing without a sob the anthem ever new, I gladly bid the dusty glob and vain delights adieu. From Strichen, Aberdeenshire Raymond Lamont-Brown: Scottish Epitaphs. Chambers, Edinburgh, 1990
Scotland For Quiet Moments – a graveyard-inspired journey to Scotland’s soul
Scotland for Quiet Moments is not a standard travel guide. You’ll find no references to the main tourist destinations or opening times. Rather, it leads you to largely unknown, quiet places. In its pages, you will find a plethora of historical, strange, romantic and funny stories from across the centuries, which will lead you to... Continue Reading →
Out now! A Graveyard-Inspired Travel Guide to Scotland
Scotland is a country full of history, stories and secrets. Often, the three cannot be separated. That is what makes this country so wonderful and unique. These stories have been discovered and gathered for Erkenbach’s blog, Graveyards of Scotland, over many years. Her main sources were historical travel guides from the 18th and 19th centuries,... Continue Reading →
Funny Scottish Epitaphs: The Surgeon’s Bones
A serious friend my drop a tear On these dear bones and say These once were strong as mine appear, And mine must be as they. Garrel Churchyard, Dumfries, John Henry, Surgeon, 1798 Raymond Lamont-Brown: Scottish Epitaphs. Chambers, Edinburgh, 1990
Funny Scottish Epitaphs: Tam Reid
Here lies Tam Reid Who was chokit to deid Wi’ taking a feed O’ butter and breed Wi’ owre muckle speed When he had nae need But just for greed. Raymond Lamont-Brown: Scottish Epitaphs. Chambers, Edinburgh, 1990
Graveyards of Scotland 
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