Isle of Lewis Towards the end of the 16th century, the Isle of Lewis was a wild, unruly, and apparently rather vicious place. At least, that’s what King James VI thought. Perhaps this was indeed true, but more likely it was royal propaganda, cleverly circulated to morally justify the actions that followed. If the king... Continue Reading →
Largo Parish Church Scotland has almost 20,000 kilometres of coastline and encompasses almost 800 islands, so naturally the Scots have a very special affinity to water and the sea. The sea has inspired some incredible stories of adventures, monsters and heroes. However, one of the best-known stories was told by an Englishman. Daniel Defoe wrote... Continue Reading →
Here David Forrest's corpse asleep does lyeHis soul with Christ enjoys tranquility,A famous fowler on earth was heAnd for the snare shall last his memory.His years were 65 - now he doth singGlory to those Heavens, whereRowth of game doth spring.Raymon Lamont-Brown: Scottish Epitaphs, Edinburgh, Chambers, 1990 Headstone in Cupar, Fife
Here lies my good and gracious Auntie, Wham Death has packed in his portmanty, Threescore and ten years did God gift her, And here she lies, wha de'il daurs lift her? Raymond Lamont-Brown: Scottish Epitaphs. Chambers, Edinburgh, 1990
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
Aberdour was a place of worship for centuries, here the pilgrims would come in large numbers but not to see a shrine or the church itself, they came to see the holy well that is no more. It once existed behind this wall in what is now a private garden but has long since been... Continue Reading →
In this churchyard lies Eppie Coutts, Either here, or hereabouts: But where it is, none can tell Till Eppie rise and tell hersel'. Raymond Lamont-Brown: Scottish Epitaphs. Chambers; Edinburgh, 1990
Graveyards of Scotland 
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