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Remembering Mary MacDonald

Today, demolition of the Crieff Hotel commenced. Formerly known as ‘The Star Hotel,’ the East High Street establishment served the residents of Crieff and Strathearn for generations, hosting weddings, christenings, significant birthdays, and funeral teas. The public bar was the ‘local’ for numerous Crieff punters. The hotel was also the home of Mary MacDonald (neeContinue reading “Remembering Mary MacDonald”

Remembering Andrew Aitken

Andrew Aitken rests in a familial lair in Larbert Cemetery. He died from influenza and pneumonia on February 26th, 1919, at 6 Steps Street, Stenhousemuir, at the age of eighteen. Andrew was born on January 22nd 1901, at Carron Hall Row, Larbert, the first child and only son of John, a coal miner, and JeanieContinue reading “Remembering Andrew Aitken”

Remembering Bessie Coltman

Sunnyside Cemetery in Sauchie is spread across a hillside with eastward-facing views. The silhouette of Clackmannan Tower is visible on the horizon. The remains of QAIMNS Nursing Sister Bessie Coltman rest in the cemetery. Her grave is marked with a Commonwealth War Grave headstone. She succumbed to influenza and pneumonia at Woodilee Asylum, Lenzie, EastContinue reading “Remembering Bessie Coltman”

Remembering John Waddell Bruce

Stathmingo is a charming small village located along the A91, between Milnathort and Auchtermuchty. The Old Cemetery and Parish Church, which date back to the 18th century, are notable features of the area. The cemetery is home to several distinguished memorials and offers beautiful views of the Lomond Hills. The remains of eight-year-old John WaddellContinue reading “Remembering John Waddell Bruce”

Remembering Jane Dickson Clark Shaw

The Shaw family headstone is easily missed among the ornate monuments to Dundee’s industrial magnates in the Western Cemetery. So is the tragic story of Jane Shaw and her family. Young Jane died from influenza and broncho-pneumonia at 31 Seafield Road, Dundee, on January 31 1919, aged only four. She was the third of theContinue reading “Remembering Jane Dickson Clark Shaw”

Remembering Marguerite Robertson

The Western Cemetery in Dundee is an impressive site. Situated on a hillside overlooking the River Tay, it is the resting place for many Dundonians who gained significant wealth from the city’s textile and manufacturing industries. Their graves are marked by elaborate monuments. In contrast, the grave of Marguerite Robertson is more modest. She isContinue reading “Remembering Marguerite Robertson”

Remembering James Paul

James succumbed to pneumonia on November 8th 1918, after suffering influenza for a week. He was forty-three years old. He rests in a familial lair in Cupar Cemetery. The grave is by a new headstone, likely placed following his daughter-in-law’s passing a decade ago. James was born in Little Dunkeld, Perthshire, on October 21st 1875.Continue reading “Remembering James Paul”

Remembering Mary Stewart

Dundurn Churchyard is located east of St Fillians, in the attractive River Earn valley, close to the foot of the Pictish Hill Fort. It contains the ruin of the 17th-century Stewart of Ardvorlich Mausoleum, a local aristocratic family whose ancestral home is nearby at the foot of Ben Vorlich. Mary Stewart’s remains are also amongContinue reading “Remembering Mary Stewart”

Remembering William Nicoll Foote

The Armistice, signed on November 11, 1918, would have been received with mixed emotions. Some would have undoubtedly celebrated the war’s end and looked to the future with hope and optimism. For the families of the millions who perished, the Armistice was merely another signpost on their long road of grief and sorrow. The sameContinue reading “Remembering William Nicoll Foote”

Remembering the Watson Family

Linlithgow is a former royal burgh known for its impressive palace, which is the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. I have passed the town cemetery on the train countless times, but I recently made my first visit and found the grave of the Watson family. The headstone is modest compared to the resting placesContinue reading “Remembering the Watson Family”