Building record MAB33264 - KIRRIEMUIR CEMETERY

Kirriemuir Cemetery, situated on the East side of the town, was established in 1857, and subsequently expanded in 1870 to the north, and in 1979 to the south.

Kirriemuir Cemetery, situated on the East side of the town, was established in 1857, and subsequently expanded in 1870 to the north, and in 1979 to the south. The entrance to cemetery is along Cemetery Road, which is lined by trees donated by Mr Smith of Aberdeen in 1901. There is a small single-storey lodge at the entrance. Within a timber shelter there is a collection of five B-listed old red sandstone cross-slabs. All were originally found within the churchyard of the old church to the west (NO35SE0102). Number 1 is a Class II Pictish stone measuring 1 foot 11 inches x 1 foot 6 inches (0.54 metres x 0.46 metres). It features a cross with hollow square angles and figures, with two panels on the back with figures, a comb and a mirror. Number 2 is also a Class II stone, measuring 2 feet 9 inches x 1 foot 9 inches (0.84 metres x 0.53 metres). It features a cross with hollow angles and interlaced work, beasts, a stag hunt, and a double disc and Z-rod. Number 3 is the lower part of a Class III stone, measuring 2 feet 2 inches x 1 foot 9 inches (0.66 metres x 0.51 metres). It features hollow square angles with interlaced work, and a horseman on the back. Number 4 is also the lower part of the stone only, measuring 2 feet x 1 foot 6 inches (0.61 metres x 0.46 metres), featuring an angel. Number 5 is a Class III stone, measuring 1 foot 6 inches x 1 foot 4 inches (0.46 metres x 0.41 metres). It features a cross with hollow angles and interlaced work. The town's war memorial (NO35SE0088) is located at the North end of the cemetery. The cemetery also contains the family grave of Sir J. M, Barrie, novelist and playwright, born in Kirriemuir in 1860. Barrie died of pneumonia in London in 1937. As a baronet, his funeral service could have taken place at Westminster Abbey but instead it was held at St Mary's Episcopal Church in Kirriemuir (NO35SE0103). At his request, Barrie was buried in the family burial plot in Kirriemuir Cemetery and his name was added below the names of those who had gone before him. The cemetery contains the grave of Private Charles Melvin, Black Watch, Royal Highlanders, awarded the Victoria Cross in 1917, for action at Istabulat on 21 April of that year. Private Melvin is also commemorated on a memorial paving slab in Cumberland Close (NO35SE0110). Within the cemetery there are 15 Commonwealth war graves of the First and Second World Wars.

Period Notes
Established 1857, expanded 1870 and 1979. Cross-slabs listed on 11/06/1971.

THE SCOTSMAN, 0000, THE SCOTSMAN, 26/06/14 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1819.

Author unknown, n.d., STV NEWS WEBSITE, 06/10/15 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1755.

Author unknown, n.d., THE COURIER, 05/07/14 (Bibliographic reference). SAB4000.

Author unknown, n.d., THE COURIER, 18/07/14 (Bibliographic reference). SAB4000.

Record last edited

Jun 29 2022 2:31PM