Angus Kirkyard Trail

Scottish kirkyards are a unique part of our heritage as the last resting places of our ancestors.

They tell us about the life and death of individuals, their beliefs and even their artistic sensibilities through the choice of epitaphs and symbols. Gravestones are documents carved in stone, containing a wealth of genealogical information in names, dates, places and relationships.

Angus is home to many old parish kirkyards set in delightful rural scenery. Lochlee is a beautiful example, lying at the foot of a loch on the edge of a National Park. Others are located in the centre of the burghs they have served for generations.

Gravestones from the Victorian and Georgian eras are the most numerous, with some surviving 17th century flatstones and table stones. All gravestones are in a steady state of decline and erosion as the kirkyards are exposed to the rigors of the Scottish weather. The result is continuous deterioration with many covered in lichen, while the faces of others have sheared off through frost action.

If you are interested in finding out more about the people of Angus, the historic kirkyards of Angus have been grouped together into seven trails for you to choose from. To follow each trail thoroughly will take more than one day so why not enjoy a short break and discover the many other attractions on offer in Angus.

There has never been a better time to enjoy the delights of an historic kirkyard, and to walk in the steps of your ancestors.