Author Archives: ryvoan83

Remembering Albert Victor Patterson

I returned to Dundee’s Balgay Cemetery today. ‘Boy’ Albert Victor Patterson rests in a familial grave of Section C towards the eastern end of the cemetery. Albert succumbed to influenza and pneumonia on December 10 at the Alexandra Military Hospital, Westminster, aged seventeen (the headstone states eighteen). Albert Victor Patterson was born on November 3Continue reading “Remembering Albert Victor Patterson”

Influenza deaths at Woodilee Asylum

Woodilee Hospital was situated on the eastern edge of Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire. Today, nothing remains of the once extensive complex except for the main entrance building, which includes the clock tower, along with some scattered fragments. Opened in 1875 as a lunatic asylum, Woodilee Hospital specifically catered to ‘lunatics’ from local workhouses. Compared to theContinue reading “Influenza deaths at Woodilee Asylum”

The tragedy of Robert Johnstone

Camelon is a small town on the eastern edge of Falkirk. The name ‘Camelon’ is believed to have Arthurian connections. Camelon is also home to the Camelon Cemetery, the largest cemetery in Falkirk. The cemetery opened in 1870 to replace the overcrowded churchyard nearby. Camelon was among a new generation of landscaped or ‘garden’ cemeteries,Continue reading “The tragedy of Robert Johnstone”

Remembering Peter Curran

Tullibody Churchyard dates back to the 12th Century, and the remains of the church date back to the 16th Century. The site is adjacent to relatively modern social housing, which is an interesting juxtaposition. Looking westward, Abbey Craig and the Wallace Monument are on the horizon. The new cemetery sits adjacent to the original siteContinue reading “Remembering Peter Curran”

Remembering Maggie Dickie

Located on an east-facing hillside on the southern edge of the town, Inverkeithing Cemetery has a dramatic setting. The cemetery overlooks the Firth of Forth towards Edinburgh. Looking south, the towering pillars of the Queensferry Crossing loom on the horizon. The regular Edinburgh-bound trains heading to and from the Forth Bridge break the silence, asContinue reading “Remembering Maggie Dickie”

A Tribute to Colin Mayall 1941-2025:

This morning, I attended the funeral of Edward Colin Lamont Mayall, known locally as ‘Colin’. Colin was a renowned local historian, genealogist and author of several books and hundreds of blog posts on the history of Strathearn and Scotland. I first met Colin in 2009 when I attended his local history classes in Crieff. ColinContinue reading “A Tribute to Colin Mayall 1941-2025:”

Remembering Ian Greenlees Herdman

A plaque commemorating Ian Greenless Herdman is on the north perimeter wall of Edinburgh’s Dean Cemetery. Ian died the week before Christmas, on December 16, aged seventeen, at 1 Belford Park, Edinburgh, after a seventeen-day battle with influenza and pneumonia. Ian Greenless Herdman was born on June 21 1901, at 28 Murrayfield Avenue, Edinburgh. HeContinue reading “Remembering Ian Greenlees Herdman”

Remembering Katherine Lettice Curteis

The Dean Cemetery in West Edinburgh is impressive. Academics, clergy, financiers, politicians, physicians and other elites from the city’s past rest within its walls, their graves marked by grand headstones. The resting place of Katherine Lettice Curtis (nee Foster) is marked by a modest yet dignified Roman cross headstone. It is in good condition. SheContinue reading “Remembering Katherine Lettice Curteis”

Remembering Eusthia Napier (nee Morrison)

Eusthia Napier (nee Morrison) rests at the western edge of Dysart Cemetery. The headstone is in good condition, and her details are clear and legible. She succumbed to influenza and pneumonia on October 22nd at home at 12 Doctor’s Row, Gallatown, aged twenty-five (October 25th, according to her headstone). Eusthia Morrison was born in DunfermlineContinue reading “Remembering Eusthia Napier (nee Morrison)”