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Famous Graves of Scotland
Aberdeenshire.
Aberdeen at St Machar's.
James Giles, 1801-70. Artist.
Crathie.
John Brown, 1826-83 The 'devoted and faithful personal attendant
and beloved friend of Queen Victoria, in whose service he has been for 34 years'. Brown was born at Crathienaird and served as ghillie to
Victoria on her Balmoral estate. He died at Windsor Castle. Other
stones erected by royalty here include that to James Bowman,
gamekeeper.
Longside.
John Skinner, 1721-1807. Schoolmaster, then Episcopal minister at
the age of twenty-one in Longside parish, which he served for
sixty-four years. He wrote a number of ecclesiastical works, as well as
Tullochgorum, the best Scotch song ever, according to Robert Burns, with
whom he corresponded in verse. His son was John Skinner, Bishop of
Aberdeen.
Jamie Fleeman, or Fleming, 1713-78. Known as the Laird o' Udny's
Fool, Fleeman was employed by the Udnys of that Ilk at Knockhall
Castle as a sort of jester, and saved the family from disaster when the
castle went on fire. The Laird of Udny's Fool tells his story. His last
wish was, "Don't bury me like a beast." In 1861 an obelisk was erected
over his grave.
Angus.
Dundee Howff
James Chalmers, 1782-1853. A bookseller in Dundee, Chalmers
invented the adhesive postage stamp, which saved the penny postage
scheme of 1840 from collapse. Granite tombstone alongside another
to Chalmers and his wife.
Dundee Western Cemetery.
William Thorn, 1788-1848. Known as the Inverury Poet. Thorn was
a handloom weaver, packman and wandering minstrel. Finding a
patron for his works, he went to London and was lionized but failed to
look after his income sensibly. He died in Dundee penniless, and his
memorial was erected by friends and admirers.
Kirriemuir
Sir James Matthew Barrie, 1860-1937. His birthplace in the town is
now protected by the National Trust. Barrie is blamed for having
originated the 'Kailyard' school of novelists, of which he was one, but
he is most noted for his many plays, in particular The Admirable
Crichton and Peter Pan. At one time he had three different plays on
London stages simultaneously.
Ayrshire.
Alloway.
William Burnes, 1721-84. Father of Robert Burns, William was born
in Kincardineshire before moving to Alloway to seek work as
gardener. The headstone, which replaces one broken by souvenir
hunters, contains an epitaph by the bard himself.
Auchinleck.
James Boswell, 1740-95. Son of Lord Auchinleck, Boswell was son or Lora Auchinleck Boswell was a
noted diarist and biographer, his famous work being the Life of Johnson, with he toured the Hebrides, each writing a book.
Boswell succeeded to the Auchinleck estates but continued working
as an advocate. His personal journals have only recently been
published. He was laid to rest within Boswell Mausoleum, alongside
his father, who had the vault erected. A Life of James Boswell .
Ayr Auld Kirkyard.
A number of acquaintances and friends of Burns are buried in the
kirkyard, including Robert Aitken, William Fergusson of Doonholm,
John Ballantyne of Castlehill, Dr Charles and the Reverend William
Dalrymple, a plan within the lychgate indicating their whereabouts.
James Smith, Alexander MacMillan, George MacCartney, John
Short, John Graham, John Muirhead and James MacMillan,
Covenanters, hanged at Ayr, 1666, for their part in the Battle of
Rullion Green.
Ayr Holmston Cemetery.
George Douglas Brown, 1869-1902. Born in Ochiltree of unmarried
parents, Brown studied at the universities of Glasgow and Oxford.
He worked as journalist until publication of The House with the Green Shutters , a strong novel which killed the Kailyard school of
writing stone dead. Brown died shortly after the novel's publication,
at the early age of thirty-three.
Barr.
Edward MacKean, Covenanter, shot nearby by Cornet James
Douglas in 1685. Simple headstone.
Colmonell.
Matthew Macilwraith, Covenanter, shot in 1685 by Claverhouse's
dragoons. His name is thought to have inspired Scott with 'Mucklewrath' in Old Mortality.
Cumnock Old Cemetery.
Alexander Peden, 1626-86. Born near Sorn, Peden became minister
of New Luce, Wigtownshire. He was removed from office by the
Middleton Act, whereupon he preached to the Covenanters all over
the hills and moors of southern Scotland. He died in his brother's
house and was at first buried at Auchinleck, but his body was moved
to Cumnock. Two old stones and a white granite monument commemorate him.
David Dunn, Simon Paterson and Thomas Richard. Covenant
shot in 1685 for their religious beliefs. Commemorated by two
tombstones in same enclosure as Peden.
William Simson, 1758-1815. The 'Winsome Willie' of Burns, Simson
was born at Ochiltree and trained to become a schoolmaster, first at
Ochiltree, then at Cumnock. Burns wrote an 'Epistle' to Simson. Also interred here is Anne Rankine, of Burns' 'Corn Rigs and Barley Rig.
James Taylor, 1753-1825. Born in Leadhills, Taylor worked with
William Symington and Patrick Miller to build a steam-powered
paddle-boat, which sailed on Dalswinton Loch. He later moved to Cumnock to work in the mines. His headstone states that he was the inventor of the steam invention.
Cumnock New Cemetery.
James Keir Hardie, 1836-1915. Hardie, born in Lanarkshire, went to
Ayrshire to work in coal mines but was dismissed for campaigning
for better facilities. He took up journalism and founded the
Independent Labour Party, being their first MP, representing West
Ham, then Merthyr Tydfil. Keir Hardie: A Biography .
Fenwick.
John Fergushill, George Woodburn, Peter Gemmes and James White,
Covenanters, shot in 1685 and commemorated by three different
stones. There are also memorial stones to William Guthrie, Captain
John Paton, Robert Buntine and James Blackwood, Covenanters,
buried elsewhere.
Galston.
Andrew Richmond, martyr, shot by Claverhouse in 1679.
Irvine.
David Sillar, 1760-1830. A friend of Burns and minor poet, he was
for a time schoolteacher, grocer and navigation lecturer, each without success, and a member of the Bachelors' Club. Robert Burns
regarded his work highly.
James Blackwood and John MacCall, Covenanters, hanged in Irvine
on 31 December 1666 for their part in the Pentland Rising.
Kilmarnock Laigh Kirkyard.
Thomas Samson, 1722-95. A seed merchant in Kilmarnock and
friend of Robert Burns, who composed Samson's epitaph while he still lived;
part of it is inscribed on his tombstone. Other Burns contemporaries
interred here include John Robertson and James MacKinlay, both
ministers.
John Ross, John Shields and John Nisbet, Covenanters, commemorated by two stones. Ross and Shields were executed at
Edinburgh and their heads set up in Kilmarnock, 1666; Nisbet was
hanged at Kilmarnock Cross in 1683.
Kilmamock High Kirkyard.
John Wilson, 1759-1821. Printer of the first edition of the poems of Robert Burns
in 1786, all 612 copies were sold out within the month. Burns
couldn't afford to pay for a second run, and Wilson was unwilling to
risk it, hence the next edition being published in Edinburgh.
Kirkmichael.
Gilbert MacAdam, Covenanter, shot in 1685 at the command of
Captain Kennedy for his religious beliefs.
Largs
Sir William Burrell, 1861-1958. A shipping magnate and collector of
many works of art and historical artefacts which he left to the city of
Glasgow, along with money with which the Burrell Museum in Pollok
Park was built.
Loudoun.
Thomas Fleming, Covenanter, killed at the Battle of Drumclog in
1679.
Mauchline.
Burial place of a number of the friends of Robert Burns, including Gavin Hamilton,
Andrew Fisher, Mary Morrison, John Brown, John Richmond,
William Auld and James Humphrey, a plan on the kirk wall locating
them. Also four infant daughters of Burns and Jean Armour.
James Smith, Covenanter, died of wounds in Mauchline prison, 1684.
Muirkirk.
John Lapraik, 1727-1807. A poet friend of Robert Burns, he was a farmer but
lost money in the Ayr Bank Crash, latterly running a post office and
inn in Muirkirk. Burns wrote some Epistles to him.
Tibbie Pagan 1741-1821. Minor poet and innkeeper who wrote the
original version of Ca the Yowes tae the Knowes, a song improved
by Robert Burns.
John Smith, Covenanter, shot near the kirk by Colonel Buchan and
Lockhart of the Lee in 1685.
Newmilns.
John Law, John Gebbie, John Morton, Matthew Paton, David Finlay,
James Wood, John Nisbet and James Nisbet, Covenanters, comme
morated by various headstones and two obelisks. Shot or executed at
various places for their religious adherence.
Ochiltree.
John Tennant of Glenconner, 1725-1810. Friend of Robert Burns and of his
father. A witness at the baptism of Robert Burns. Also memorial to William Simson
and his brothers.
Old Dailly.
John Semple, Thomas MacClorgan, John Stevenson, George Martin
and two unknown martyrs, Covenanters, executed for their beliefs.
Two memorials and an old stone commemorate them.
Sorn.
George Wood, Covenanter, shot in 1688, the last to suffer for the
cause. Mural monument on kirk wall.
Straiton.
Thomas MacHaffie, Covenanter, shot south of the village in 1685. Two headstones.
Tarbolton.
William Shillilaw, Covenanter, shot at the age of eighteen in 1684.
Also graves of acquaintances of Robert Burns.
Berwickshire.
Chirnside.
James Clark, 1936-68. Born in Fife, he moved with his family to the
borders when he was six. He worked as a shepherd on his father's
farm, but his great interest was in racing cars. He became world
champion in 1963, driving a Lotus, and was killed in 1968 in a
Formula 2 championship race at Hockenheim.
Dryburgh.
Sir Walter Scott, 1771-1832. Granite sarcophagus in abbey ruins to
Scott and his family, located within the aisle of St Mary. Scott was the
greatest novelist produced by Scotland, and a competent poet,
although he gave up writing poetry on his novels' success and Byron's
appearance. His best known novels include Waverley, The Heart of
Mid-Lothian, Old Mortality, Rob Roy and Redgauntlet.
Douglas, Earl Haig, 1861-1928. Simple military tombstone carved by
Pilkington Jackson. Haig fought in Egypt and South Africa and in
Europe in the Great War, when he was in command of the expeditionary forces. On retiring he organized the Haig Fund, which sells
poppies in aid-of ex-servicemen.
Westruther.
Lady John Scott, 1810-1900. Born Alicia Anne Spottiswoode, Lady
John Scott was a noted antiquarian, having excavated a number of
burial cairns in the district, and was also a songwriter, most famous for her
refined version of Annie Laurie.
Buteshire.
Sannox Isle ofArran.
Edwin Rose, an English holidaymaker and the victim of the Goat Fell
murder in 1889. A granite boulder taken from the hill marks his
grave.
Dumfriesshire.
Caerlaverock.
Robert Paterson, 1715-1801. The Old Mortality of Scott's novel of
that name. Paterson was a stonemason who erected or repaired
monuments and graves to the Covenanters. His headstone here was
erected by Scott's publishers.
Dalgarnock.
A number of stones to Covenanters who suffered for the cause, and
also a white granite cross listing all the Nithsdale Martyrs.
Dumfries St Michael's.
Robert Burns, 1759-96. Scotland's national poet, born at Alloway in
Ayrshire and died in Dumfries. A Greek-style mausoleum marks his
grave, although this was moved. Marble carvings within,
as well as the original memorial stone. Robert Burns is famous for his poems
notably, Tam o' Shanter and To a Mouse, as well as his songs,
which include Auld Lang Syne and A Man's a Man for a That.
A number of Burns' friends and contemporaries in Dumfries are also
interred here, and a tablet locates the whereabouts of their graves.
They include William Burnside, Thomas Goldie, John Harley,
William Hyslop, John Bushby, James Gracie, Robert Jackson, John
Lewars, William Inglis, Francis Shortt, David Staig, George Gray,
John Mitchell, James MacClure, Adam Rankine, James Crichton,
Robert Mundell, Archibald MacMurdo, Gabriel Richardson, John
MacDiarmid, George Haugh, William Smith, William Wallace,
David Williamson, John Hamilton, Archibald Blacklock, John
Blacklock, Thomas White, James MacNeil, Mary MacLauchlin,
Samuel Clarke, David Newall, William dark, William Thomson and
Alexander MacCulloch.
William Welsh, William Grierson and John Kirko, Covenanters, the first two executed at Dumfries for their part at Rullion Green in
1667, Kirko being shot in the town in 1685. An obelisk in memory of
the Dumfries martyrs stands alongside.
Dunscore Old.
Sir Robert Grierson of Lag, 1655-1733. Infamous as a persecutor of
the Covenanters, Grierson was the original of Scott's, Sir Robert
Redgauntlet. After the Revolution of 1688 he was imprisoned three
times and heavily fined.
Durisdeer.
Daniel MacMichael, Covenanter, shot in Dalveen Pass by Dalziel's
troops, 1685.
Ecclefechan.
Thomas Carlyle, 1795-1881. Carlyle was born in the cottage in
Ecclefechan which is now owned by the National Trust. He became a
teacher but left the profession to concentrate on his writing. He wrote
many influential essays, as well as many books of history and biography.
He refused a baronetcy and burial within Westminster Abbey. Headstone
located within railed enclosure. Thomas and Jane Carlyle: Portrait of a Marriage .
Keir.
Kirkpatrick MacMillan, 1813-78. Headstone to many of MacMillan's family, the inscription finishing with his name as Inventor
of the Bicycle. In 1839 it was the first velocipede to allow the rider
to take his feet off the ground.
Kirkland of Glencairn.
John Gibson, James Bennoch, Robert Edgar and Robert Mitchell,
shot at Ingliston Mains, for their Covenanting adherence, 1685.
Moffat.
John Loudon MacAdam, 1756-1836. Born in Ayr, MacAdam
worked in America, then returned to Scotland, where he bought an
estate. He invented a means of road-surfacing which was a vast
improvement on that used until then, and he became an adviser to
many turnpike trusts throughout Britain. He died at his Moffat estate
of Dumcrieff.
Ruthwell.
Henry Duncan, 1774-1846. Minister of the kirk here, Duncan was
instrumental in rebuilding the Ruthwell Cross and also in founding
the first savings bank, in 1810, which developed into the Trustee Savings Bank. White granite headstone on east wall. Also tablets
within kirk.
Tynron.
William Smith, Covenanter, shot to death by Cornet Baillie in 1685.
Originally interred beneath his parents front doorstep as a mark of
disrespect, but his corpse was reburied in the kirkyard after the
Revolution.
Dunbartonshire.
Bonhill.
Robert Nairn, Covenanter, died in April 1685 of an illness
occasioned by severe handicaps and privations to which he was
subjected for his steady adherence to the cause of truth and religious
liberty. Stone erected in 1826 and restored in 1898.
Helensburgh.
John Logie Baird, 1888-1946. Minister's son, born in the town.
Inventor of the television, transmitting a Maltese cross through wires
in 1924 and demonstrating infra-red television in 1926. He also
started the first television station the following year, called 2TV. Television and Me: The Memoirs of John Logie Baird .
Rhu.
Henry Bell, 1767-1830. Born in West Lothian, Bell worked as an
engineer in various places, and in 1812 he built the twenty-five-ton
Comet, a steamship which plied the Clyde, the first truly sea-going
steamship in Europe. The Ingenious Mr.Bell: A Life of Henry Bell (1767-1830) Pioneer of Steam Navigation .
East Lothian.
Athelstaneford.
Robert Blair, 1699-1746. Minister in the village from 1731 and poet,
famed for his long work, The Grave, published posthumously. An
obelisk in the village also commemorates him.
Bolton.
Agnes Brown, 1732-1820. Mother of Robert Burns, Agnes outlived
her husband by thirty-six years and died at Gilbert Burns' house
nearby.
North Berwick.
Sir John Blackadder, 1623-85. Minister at Troqueer but removed
from office for his Covenanting beliefs. He preached at many
conventicles thereafter and spent some time in the Netherlands. On
his return he was arrested and imprisoned on the Bass Rock, where
he died.
Edinburgh.
Canongate.
Adam Smith, 1723-90. Born in Kirkcaldy, Smith is famous for his
Wealth of Nations, published in 1776. He was a professor at
Glasgow University and later Commissioner of Customs for
Scotland. Mural monument in enclosure to left on entering gates. The Authentic Adam Smith: His Life and Ideas (Enterprise (W.W. Norton)) .
Robert Fergusson, 1750-74. Born of humble parentage, Robert Fergusson
was educated at Edinburgh High School, Dundee Grammar and St
Andrew's University. He was of a weak constitution but foundsuccess in writing Scots poetry, a volume of which appeared in 1773.
He died shortly afterwards in a lunatic asylum. Robert Burns had his
tombstone erected; it is located to west side of kirk. Robert Fergusson: Selected Poems .
Agnes MacLehose, 1759-1841. Ex-wife of a Glasgow lawyer, she
moved to Edinburgh, where she met Burns. They corresponded in
verse as Clarinda and Sylvander. Mural memorial in layer 28 of
eastern section. Bronze medallion by H.S. Gamley.
Robert Hurd, 1905-63. Architect, responsible for much of the restoration of Edinburgh's old buildings, as well as others throughout
Scotland. Mural memorial.
Dean Cemetery.
John Wilson, 1785-1854. Born in Paisley and Professor in Edinburgh,
Wilson, known as Christopher North, wrote many articles and poems for
Blackwood's Magazine, in particular, Noctes Ambrosianae. He was
a friend of Hogg, Scott and Wordsworth.
William Playfair, 1789-1857. Architect, responsible for many of the
Grecian-style buildings in Edinburgh, including the National Gallery,
National Monument and Royal Scottish Academy, and also much of
the New Town.
Henry, Lord Cockburn, 1779-1854. Law Lord friend of Scott and
Lord Jeffrey, noted for his Memorials of His Time, a descriptive
volume on Edinburgh life.
Francis, Lord Jeffrey, 1773-1850. Contributor to the Edinburgh
Review, which he helped found and edited for twenty-five years. Lord
Advocate, responsible for parts of the Reform Acts in 1832, created
Lord of Session in 1834.
Sir William Allan, 1782-1850. Landscape painter and friend of Scott;
noted for his historical Scottish scenes.
James Nasmyth, 1808-90. Son of Alexander Nasmyth, the painter,
James was the engineer responsible for inventing the steam hammer
and other machines. James Nasmyth: Engineer An Autobiography .
James Syme, 1799-1870. Surgeon, noted for his developments in
amputation and anaesthesia. Perhaps also true inventor of the
macintosh, having discovered the solvent for rubber.
William Aytoun, 1813-65. Poet, born in Edinburgh, and professor at
the university. Son-in-law of John Wilson, Noted for his Lays of the
Scottish Cavaliers. Lays of the Scottish Cavaliers, and Other Poems, by William Edmondstoune Aytoun. .
Gogar Churchyard.
James Pittendreigh MacGillivray, 1856-1938. Born in Inverurie,
created King's Sculptor in Scotland in 1921. Works include Byron in
Aberdeen, Burns in Irvine, Gladstone in Edinburgh.
Grange Cemetery.
Hugh Miller, 1802-56. Geologist and mason, born at Cromarty. He
did much to popularize the study of rocks in Scotland, making
important discoveries himself. Also wrote poems and books with
success. Hugh Miller: Stonemason, Geologist, Writer .
Greyfriars.
Allan Ramsay, 1684-1758. Poet, born in Leadhills, Lanarkshire, and
wig-maker in Edinburgh. Noted for his Gentle Shepherd and
Tea-Table Miscellany. Mural memorial on south-west corner of
kirk.
Duncan Ban Macintyre, 1724-1812. Most famous of Gaelic poets
and songwriters, born at Glenorchy in Argyll. He could neither read
nor write and memorized all his works. Famed for In Praise of Beinn
Dorain and Mairi Bhan. His memorial here, an obelisk with a
carving representing shooting, contains some Gaelic verses.
Henry MacKenzie, 1745-1831. Born in Edinburgh and trained as
lawyer. At the age of twenty-six his first novel, The Man of Feeling,
was published, his greatest work.
Alexander Henderson, 1583-1646. Minister in Fife and one of
original authors of the National Covenant. His memorial is a foursquare block surmounted by an urn whose inscriptions were
obliterated at the Restoration but later restored.
William Adam, 1689-1748. Last of the truly Scots architects, father
of more famous Robert, who had a hand in designing his father's
memorial, a large classical mausoleum. His work survives at
Hopetoun House, Haddo House and Duff House.
Joseph Black, 1728-99. Lecturer in Glasgow where he discovered the
principle of latent heat and was one of first to believe that air was
composed of a variety of gases.
James Gillespie-Graham, 1777-1855. He succeeded to his wife's
estates, hence adoption of name Graham. As an architect he is noted
for much of Edinburgh's New Town, as well as some country houses.
Covenanter's Monument erected 1771 to replace older memorial to
the many Covenanters buried within this kirkyard.
Also memorials to John Gray, owner of Greyfriars Bobby, Greyfriars
Bobby himself, James Craig, architect, John Porteous, City Guard
captain who was murdered, Walter Scott, father of Sir Walter, Lord
Monboddo, Robert Milne architect,
Alexander Murray and George Buchanan. Greyfriars Bobby: The Legend of the Little Scottish Dog .
New Calton Cemetery.
Thomas Stevenson, 1818-87. Father of Robert Louis Stevenson,
Lighthouse builder. The Lighthouse Stevensons (Stranger Than...) .
David Bryce, 1803-76. Architect, designer of hundreds of country houses throughout Scotland, particularly in the neo-baronial style, as
well as classical buildings for Edinburgh.
Old Calton Cemetery.
Thomas Hamilton, 1784-1858. Architect of much of Edinburgh
New Town, including Royal High School and Royal College, and
Burns' monuments at Calton and Alloway.
David Hume, 1711-76. Philosopher, born in the city. Wrote
Treatise on Human Nature at the age of twenty-six but his
Philosophical Essays of 1748 were more successful. Also wrote
number of histories of Britain. His cylindrical mausoleum was
designed by Robert Adam in 1777. The Life of David Hume .
John Playfair, 1748-1819. Graduated as a minister and took his
father's vacancy at Benvie in Angus but became increasingly devoted
to the study of maths, becoming a professor at Edinburgh University.
Wrote a number of books on mathematics and natural philosophy.
Archibald Constable, 1774-1827. Bookseller and publisher, born
Carnbee in Fife. Published the Edinburgh Review and many of the works of Sir Walter Scott, persuading him to finish Waverly. His bankruptcy in 1826 left Sir Walter Scott penniless also.
William Blackwood, 1776-1834. Bookseller in Edinburgh, publishing
Blackwood's Magazine as competitor to Constable's Review in 1817,
obtaining contributions from Hogg, Lockhart and others.
Robert Burn, 1752-1815. Architect, noted for his Gothic and neo-
baronial castles. Designed Nelson Monument in Edinburgh.
Sir John Steell, 1804-91. Sculptor, born in Aberdeen, noted for many
statues in Edinburgh, including Alexander and Bucephalus, Wellington, Sir Walter Scott, Victoria and Albert.
Also of interest in this burial ground are the monument to the political
martyrs, a huge obelisk designed by Hamilton, and the statue of
Abraham Lincoln, the first statue of him erected in Britain, unveiled in
1893 as a memorial to the Scottish Americans who fought in the Civil
War.
St Cuthbert, and St John's churchyards.
Sir Henry Raeburn, 1756-1823. Born in Edinburgh, Raeburn became
a noted artist, particularly for portraits, of which he produced many.
Almost everyone of note in Scotland at the time was the subject of his
brush. Henry Raeburn and His Printmakers .
Thomas de Quincey, 1786-1859. Author, born in Manchester, noted
for his Confessions of an Opium-Eater.
Catherine Sinclair, 1800-1864. Author, daughter of Sir John Sinclair
of Statistical Account fame. Wrote Holiday House and Scottish
works.
Warriston Cemetery.
Horatio MacCulloch, 1805-67. Born in Glasgow and painter of
snuffboxes at Cumnock, MacCulloch became one of the most popular
artists of Scottish rural scenes.
Sir James Young Simpson, 1811-70. Born in Bathgate, Simpson
became a doctor, then Professor of Medicine at the age of twenty nine. Noted for his discovery of the use of chloroform in surgery. Sir James Young Simpson and Chloroform, 1811-1870 .
Fife.
Cupar.
Laurence Hay and Andrew Pitullo, Covenanters hanged at
Edinburgh's Grassmarket in 1681 and their heads buried here with a
hand of Hackston of Rathillet.
Dunfermline.
Robert Bruce (King Robert 1), 1274-1329. Nineteenth century brass
marking spot where the Bruce lies. He fought a guerrilla war in
Galloway prior to his successful defeat of the English at Bannockburn
in 1314, resulting in the independence of Scotland. Robert Bruce: Our Most Valiant Prince, King and Lord .
St Andrews.
Samuel Rutherford, 1600-1661. Minister of Anwoth and Professor of
Divinity at St Andrews. Covenanter, famed for his Lex Rex.
Glasgow.
Cathcart.
Robert Thorn, Thomas Cook and John Urie, Covenanters, shot in the
Loan o fPolmadie 1685.
Cathedral.
Covenanters' grave, now located within cathedral. Commemorating
nine martyrs hanged in Glasgow on 19 March 1684.
Glasgow Necropolis.
William Motherwell, 1797-1835. Journalist and poet, notable for
verses on Renfrewshire localities and Jeanie Morison.
William Miller, 1810-72. Memorial to Miller interred in Tollcross
kirkyard), the author of Wee Willie Winkie.
William Thomson, Lord Kelvin, 1824-1907. Born in Belfast, Thomson became Professor of Natural Philosophy in Glasgow, where he
made many discoveries in the fields of thermodynamics, navigation
and electricity. He invented the galvanometer, and the unit of
temperature was named after him in honour of his discovery of
absolute zero. Lord Kelvin and the Age of the Earth .
Alexander Rodger, 1784-1846. Poet, born in Mid Calder and died in
Glasgow. Wrote Rob Tamson's Smiddy, better known as The
Muckin o' Geordie's Byre.
Ramshorn St David's.
David Dale, 1739-1806. A linen manufacturer in Rothesay, Dale
established successful works in Catrine, Ayrshire, and New Lanark,
providing excellent accommodation and services for his employees which was unusual at the time. David Dale of New Lanark: A Bright Luminary to Scotland .
St Kentigern's Cemetery.
Benny Lynch, 1913-46. Boxer, born in Glasgow, who became the 'undefeated featherweight champion of the world in 1935.
Headstone. Benny: The Life and Times of a Fighting Legend (Maintream Sport) .
Sighthill Cemetery.
John Baird and Andrew Hardie, political martyrs, hanged in Stirling,
1820. An ornate foursquare memorial paid for by subscription was
erected in 1847 over their remains, brought here from Stirling.
Southern Necropolis.
Alexander Thomson, 1817-75. Known as Greek Thomson, he was
an architect who employed many classical styles in his works, which
include Moray Place, Edinburgh, and St Vincent Street United
Presbyterian Church Glasgow. "Greek" Thomson: Neo-Classical Architectural Theory, Buildings and Interiors .
Hugh MacDonald, 1817-60. Poet, journalist and author, Rambles
Round Glasgow being his most successful work.
Sir Thomas Lipton, 1850-1931. Born in Glasgow, Lipton established
a large grocery chain of shops and bought tea and rubber plantations.
Also tried for years to beat Americans at yacht-racing, building five
different Shamrocks but never successful. The Man Who Challenged America: The Life and Obsession of Sir Thomas Lipton .
John Robertson, 1782-1868. Engineer, builder of the engines for the
Comet, the first successful steamboat, which was launched in 1812.
Tollcross.
William Miller, 1810-72. Poet, noted for Wee Willie Winkie.
Inverness-shire.
Eoligarry on Barra.
Sir Compton Mackenzie, 1883-1973. Born in England, Mackenzie
served in the wars as an intelligence officer. Noted for his autobiography and novels, in particular Whisky Galore, set on Barra, where he
lived for many years. Tales from Barra: The Coddy .
Port Augustus Kilchuimen.
John Anderson, 1748-1832. Headstone erected 1833 to Anderson, a
friend of Burns who was a carpenter and who is said to have made his
coffin. He was the original of John Anderson, my Jo.
Inverness Chapelyard.
Mary MacDonald, 1818-98. Headstone with carved harp to the Skye
poetess.
Inverness Old High Church.
Donald Cameron, died 1868. A well-known piper in his day.
Kilmuir Skye.
Flora MacDonald, 1722-90. Born in South Uist, Flora distinguished
herself by helping Prince Charles evade capture following the Battle of
Culloden, in 1746. Imprisoned for a while, then emigrated to America
but returned to Skye. Flora MacDonald .
Kincardineshire.
Arbuthnott.
James Leslie Mitchell, 1901-35. Much better known as Lewis Grassic
Gibbon, James Mitchell wrote a number of books on a variety of subjects
but is best known for his A Scots Quair, a trilogy of books with a
setting in the north-east. A Scots Quair .
Dunnottar.
Covenanters' stone, erected by Old Mortality to seven men and two
women, some anonymous, who died whilst imprisoned in Dunnottar
Castle during the years of struggle.
Kinross-shire.
Portmoak.
Michael Bruce, 1746-67. Poet and hymn-writer born at Kinnesswood,
known as the gentle poet of Loch Leven. His works were still
immature, but he showed promise of genius prior to his early death.
Sarcophagus-style memorial. Life Of Michael Bruce Poet Of Loch Leven .
Kirkcudbright.
Anwoth.
John Bell of Whyteside, Covenanter, shot with others on Kirkconnel
Moor in 1685 by Grierson of Lag's dragoons. Sandstone tablestone.
Balmaclellan.
Robert Grierson, shot by Colonel Douglas at Ingliston Mains in 1685
for his Covenanting adherence. Robert Paterson, Old Mortality, also
commemorated on his family's headstone, is interred at Bankend of Caerlaverock, Dumfriesshire.
Balmaghie.
Samuel Rutherford Crockett, 1860-1914. Born in this parish.
Minister-at Penicuik until resignation in 1895 to concentrate on
writing. Wrote many novels in Kailyard school, notably The Grey
Man, The Raiders and The Men of the Moss Hags.
Covenanters graves. Stone to two David Hallidays, one shot on
Kirkconnel Moor in 1685, the other in 1685 in Twynholm parish with
George Short, who has a separate headstone.
Carsphairn.
Roger Dun, killed by mistake in clan feud in 1689 on night of
Carsphairn Fair. Also suffered for his Covenanting adherence. In
kirkyard is MacAdam enclosure, with inscription to James and Gilbert
MacAdam, Covenanters, and John Loudoun MacAdam, inventor of
road-surfacing, who is interred at Moffat, Dumfriesshire.
Crossmichael.
William Graham, Covenanter, shot in village by Claverhouse's troops,
1682.
Girthon.
Robert Lennox of Irelandtown, shot on Kirkconnel Moor by Grierson
of Lag's troops, 1685, for his Covenanting sympathies.
Kells.
Adam MaeWhan, John and Roger Gordon, Covenanters. MacWhan
was shot in 1685, John Gordon died in 1667 of wounds received at
Rullion Green, and Roger Gordon suffered but died naturally in 1662.
Kelton.
Joseph Train, 1779-1852. Born at Sorn, Ayrshire, Train worked as an
exciseman, wrote a number of poems and supplied historical data to
Scott and Lockhart for their works.
Kirkandrews.
Robert MacWhae, Covenanter, shot in his own garden by Captain
Douglas, 1685.
William Nicholson, 1783-1849. Poet, born near Borgue of humble
parentage. Spent his time as travelling pedlar and found success with
some of his own poems, in particular The Brownie of Bladnoch and
The Country Lass.
Kirkcudbright.
William Hunter, Robert Smith and John Hallume, Covenanters,
commemorated by a tablestone, Hunter and Smith, and a small
headstone. The first two were hanged in the town in 1684, Hallume in
1685, at the age of eighteen.
Kirkpatrick Durham.
John Neilson, Covenanter, hanged in Edinburgh's Grassmarket in
1666.
Kirkpatrick lrongray.
Helen Walker, died 1791. Original of Scott's Jeanie Deans in The
Heart of Mid-Lothian, she walked to London and back to petition for
her sister's release from prison. Memorial erected by the Author of
Waverley.
New Abbey.
William Paterson, 1658-1719. Born near Tinwald, Paterson founded
the Bank of England and originated the Darien Scheme. Grave
unmarked but memorial affixed to kirkyard wall.
St John's Town of Dalry.
Robert Stewart and John Grierson, Covenanters, shot at Auchencloy
by Claverhouse's dragoons, 1684. Tablestone.
Twynholm.
Hugh Prichard, died 1816. The original of Wandering Willie of
Scott's Redgauntlet, he died when sheltering in a gravel-pit during a
storm along with his wife and children. Two upright memorial stones,
one inscription partly in Welsh.
Lanarkshire.
Cambusnethan.
Arthur Inglis, shot in 1679 for reading a Bible in fields and as the
soldiers thought he was a Covenanter who had fought at Bothwell
Bridge.
Carluke.
Robert Lockhart and Peter Kidd, Covenanters, Lockhart being found
dead after Bothwell Bridge, Kidd minister of parish, imprisoned on
Bass Rock, but returned.
Glassford.
William Gordon of Earlstoun killed 1679 for Covenanting adherence
as he journeyed to Bothwell Bridge.
Hamilton.
Memorial in kirkyard wall to four Covenanters whose heads were
displayed in the town following Rullion Green and execution in
Edinburgh, 1666.
Kirk o' Shotts.
William Smith, Covenanter, shot in 1666 for his part at Rullion Green.
Lanark.
Robert MacQueen, Lord Braxfield, 1722-99. Noted law lord who
presided at trials of radicals in 1793. Gained a reputation of being a
hanging judge.
William Hervi, Covenanter, taken at Bothwell Bridge and executed
in the town March 2nd 1682.
Leadhills.
Alexander Laidlaw, a young boy who failed to tell the soldiers the
whereabouts of a Covenanter's hideout, resulting in his own death.
Lesmahagow.
David Steel, Thomas Weir and Alexander Stewart, Covenanters.
Steel was shot at his home in 1686, Weir died of injuries sustained at
Drurnclog, and Stewart was executed in Glasgow, 1684. Also grave
of the Reverend Thomas Lining, Covenanter, who survived until
1733.
Stonehouse.
James Thomson, Covenanter, shot at Battle of Drurnclog in 1679.
Strathaven.
William Dingwall, John Barrie and William Paterson, Covenanters.
Dingwall was shot at Drurnclog, 1679, the other two at Strathaven in
1685.
Midlothian.
Inveresk.
Alexander Carlyle, 1722-1805. Known as Jupiter Carlyle was
parish minister and an associate of Scott. His record of his own times
was published posthumously.
Lasswade.
William Drummond of Hawthornden, 1585-1649. Drummond
wrote numerous poems and histories and entertained Ben Jonson at
Hawthornden Castle. Buried within aisle of church.
Henry Dundas, Viscount Melville, 1742-1811. Lord Advocate for
Scotland, Home Secretary and First Lord of the Admiralty.
Nicknamed the uncrowned king of Scotland because of his political
power but became unpopular during radical risings.
Morayshire.
Spynie.
James Ramsay MacDonald, 1866-1938. Born in Lossiemouth,
MacDonald became a Labour politician and held office as Prime
Minister in 1924 and 1929-35. Ramsay Macdonald: A Biography .
Peebleshire.
Kirkton Manor.
David Ritchie, 1740-1811. The original of Scott's Black Dwarf in
his novel of that name. Ritchie was born deformed, standing only
three feet six inches tall. His headstone was erected by Chambers,
publishers, in 1845.
Tweedsmuir.
John Hunter, Covenanter, shot at the Devil's Beef Tub by Colonel
Douglas's troops, 1685. Three memorial stones in kirkyard
commemorate him.
Perthshire.
Balquhldder.
Rob Roy MacGregor, 1671-1734. Farmer and cattle-dealer, noted
for his exploits in levying blackmail. Subject of Scott's novel Rob
Roy. Died at home and interred in Balquhidder kirkyard beneath an
old cross-slab. Rob Roy MacGregor .
Blair Atholl Old Blair.
John Graham, Viscount Dundee, 1649-89. Known as Claverhouse,
from his estate, Graham led Government troops against the
Covenanters at Drurnclog and Bothwell. Personally responsible for
the murder of John Brown of Priesthill in front of his wife and family.
Led clansmen at Killiecrankie; although they won, he was killed in
the battle. Buried within Atholl aisle. Bonnie Dundee: John Grahame of Claverhouse .
Dron.
John Welwood, 1649-79. Covenanting minister, Welwood died in
Perth but was not allowed to be buried within the town. His friends
dug his grave here instead.
Dunkeld.
William Cleland, 1661-89. A Covenanting soldier, he led the
Cameronians at Drurnclog and fought at Bothwell. Successfully
defended Dunkeld against Highlanders in 1689 after Killiecrankie
but was killed in action. Also noted for his humorous poetry.
Ecclesmagirdle.
Thomas Small, 1587-1645. Covenanter who died for his beliefs.
Forgandenny.
Andrew Brodie, shot 1678 near Culteuchar Hill for his Covenanting
sympathies. Headstone, the original of which is in church vestibule.
Gask.
Caroline Oliphant, Lady Nairne, 1766-1845. A songwriter and poet,
Lady Nairne wrote many works, some under the pseudonym Mrs
Bogan of Bogan. Her works became famous only after her death;
they include Wi' a Hundred Pipers, Will Ye no' Come Back Again, The Laird o' Cockpen and Caller Herrin. Buried within a private
chapel. Love Songs of Scotland: Jewels of the Tender Passion Selected from the Writings of Burns, Tannahill, Scott, Ramsay, Lady Nairne, MacNeill, Jam .
Inchmahome.
Robert Cunninghame-Graham, 1852-1936. Born in London, Don
Roberto, as he was known, was a Liberal MP and prolific writer.
Kincardine.
Henry Home, Lord Kames, 1696-1782. A Lord of Session an
antiquarian. Lord Kames was also a notable land reformer
improving the Blair Drummond estates considerably. Elements of Criticism .
John Ramsay, 1736-1814. Owner of Ochtertyre estate, Ramsay was
a friend and patron of Robert Burns. Scott called at his home also.
Little Dunkeld.
Neil Gow, 1727-1807. Notable fiddler, born nearby. Composer of
over a hundred strathspeys and reels, including Farewell to Whisky.
Worked for Duke of Atholl as his personal violinist. His four sons
were accomplished fiddlers also. Met Burns and Bonnie Prince
Charlie.
Meigle.
Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, 1836-1908. Liberal MP for
Stirling, Secretary of the War Office, Secretary for Ireland, Prime
Minister 1905-1908.
Renfrewshire.
Eaglesham.
Gabriel Thomson and Robert Lockhart, Covenanting martyrs, shot
on moors south of village in 1685 by dragoons under command of
Ardencaple.
Greenock Inverkip Street.
John Galt, 1779-1839. Born in Irvine, Galt began a literary career
submitting stories to newspapers, finding success with tales of life in
the west of Scotland. His Annals of the Parish, The Ayrshire
Legatees, The Provost and The Entail brought him success. He
emigrated to Canada but returned, dying in Greenock. His memorial
is a graveslab. Annals of the Parish: WITH The Ayrshire Legatees AND The Provost .
Greenock Cemetery.
Mary Campbell, 1763-86. Born in Dunoon, Mary Campbell worked
in Gavin Hamilton's house in Mauchline, Ayrshire, where robert Burns met
her. They parted on the banks of Ayr, she returning to Greenock,
where she died. She was interred in the old West Churchyard, but on
its removal her remains were transferred to the new cemetery. A tall
memorial with carvings and an old headstone from the old kirkyard
mark the spot.
Nearby is a memorial cairn to James Watt, who is interred at
Handsworth.
Inverkip.
James Young, 1811-83. Gothic Revival memorial to Young, who
discovered that the distillation of coal resulted in paraffin oil and
wax, hence his nickname, Paraffin Young.
Paisley Broomlands Cemetery.
Andrew Park, 1807-63. Born in Renfrew, Park wrote many poems
from an early age and accounts of his journeys. His most popular
work was Silent Love.
James Algie and John Park, Covenanting martyrs, executed at Paisley
Cross, 1685, originally interred in the abbey kirkyard. Their memorials, an obelisk and old tombstone, were replaced behind the
Martyrs' Church.
Paisley Castlehead.
Robert Tannahill, 1774-1810. Born in the town, Tannahill wrote
many poems and songs in the Scots tongue, the first edition of which
sold out immediately. In 1810, however, the publishers returned his
works, resulting in his burning all his recent verses and committing
suicide. Noted for The Braes o' Balquhidder, Jessie the Flower o'
Dunblane and Loudon's Bonnie Woods and Braes. Granite memorial of 1868. Poems and Songs, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect .
Ross and Cromarty.
Contin.
William Laidlaw, 1780-1845. Factor to Sir Walter Scott at
Abbotsford, on Scott's death Laidlaw
moved to Ross, where he also worked as a factor. Also noted for his
song Lucy's Flittin. Headstone with marble insert.
Dingwall.
Neil Gunn, 1891-1974. Born in Caithness, Gunn worked for the Civil
Service until he was a successful novelist, his well-known works
including The Silver Darlings, The Grey Coast and Sun Circle. The Green Isle of the Great Deep .
Roxburghshire.
Roxburgh.
Andrew Gemmels, 1687-1793. The Edie Ochiltree of Scott's novel
The Antiquary, Gemmels was a soldier during the first half of his life
and a wandering beggar the latter half. Met Scott in person, and died
at the age of 106. Headstone erected 1845 depicting Gemmels,
knapsack and dog on verso.
Teviothead.
Henry Scott Riddell, 1798-1870. Born at Ewes, near Langholm,
Minister of Teviothead, noted for his songs and poems, in particular
Oor Ain Folk and Scotland Yet. Obelisk by kirkyard wall.
John Armstrong of Gilnockie, died 1530. Mural memorial in kirkyard
wall with Armstrong arms, erected 1897 to Johnnie Armstrong, subject of a well-known ballad, a Border laird executed here during
James V expedition to pacify the Scottish Borders.
Selkirkshire.
Ettrick.
James Hogg, 1770-1835. Known as the Ettrick Shepherd, Hogg is
noted for his poems and novels. A sheep-farmer, his Hogg on Sheep is
still a standard reference book. A friend of Scott, his notable poems
include The Queen's Wake and Forest Minstrel, and his prose
works, for which he is better known include The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner. On his
headstone is carved a harp. The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner (Penguin Classics) .
Thomas Boston, 1676-1732. Born at Duns, Boston was successively a
minister at Simprim, Ettrick and Closeburn. Wrote ecclesiastics
works, paving way for the Secession Church, followers of which were known as Bostonites.
Stirlingshire.
Cambuskenneth.
James III, 1452-88. Born at St Andrews, James was crowned aged
nine. The country was ruled by regents until he had them imprisoned,
including his two brothers, Mar and Albany, Died after Battle of
Sauchieburn. Monument erected 1865 after the remains of the
monarch were discovered by command of Queen Victoria.
Campsie.
William Boick, Covenanter, executed in Glasgow, 1683.
Larbert.
James Bruce, 1730-94. Bruce journeyed to the source of the Blue Nile,
the first ever to do so, in 1770, writing of his travels in five volumes,
which English scientists dismissed as fiction. He died by falling down
the stairs at his home of Kinnaird and is buried beneath a cast-iron
headstone. The Pale Abyssinian: The Life of James Bruce .
Stirling Holy Rude churchyard.
John Russell, 1740-1817. Born in Morayshire, Russell began as a
schoolteacher, then became minister in Kilmarnock and Stirling. He
wrote a number of religious pamphlets but is remembered mainly as Rumble John or Black Russell in Burns' works.
A number of memorials erected in honour of Covenanting martyrs
and religious leaders can be seen, although none is buried here. These
include Andrew Melville, Alexander Henderson, James Renwick,
James Guthrie, Ebenezer Erskine, John Knox and the Wigtown
Martyrs, the latter a very fine glass temple with statuary.
Stirling Erskine churchyard.
Ebenezer Erskine, 1680-1754. Monument over grave of Erskine
which was located in former kirk which occupied this site. One of the
founder members of the Secession Church.
West Lothian.
Bathgate.
James Davie, Covenanter, shot at Blackdub by Heron whilst attending
a conventicle. 1673. Slab seven feet bv three.
Wigtownshire.
Wigtown.
Margaret MacLachlan and Margaret Wilson, Covenanters, drowned
in the Solway when tied to a stake and left as the tide came in, 1685.
Also George Walker, William Johnstone and John Milroy, hanged in
Wigtown for their Covenanting adherence, 1685. Tombstones all
located within same enclosure to north of old kirk ruins.
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