Category Archives: Fife

The East Neuk of Fife boasts one of Scotland’s most picturesque stretches of coastline. The village of Kilconquhar sits inland from the coast. Sitting next to Kinconquhar Loch, the town is dominated by the attractive Georgian Parish Church designed by the celebrated Dickson Brothers. Opened in 1821, the church sits beside the remains of itsContinue reading “Remembering Robert Pollock”

The Dundee Telegraph of November 19 1918, reported the severity of influenza in the District of Cupar in neighbouring Fife. The article acknowledged “numerous deaths” with specific reference to the three Whyte sisters, who all died of influenza within a week. I discovered their grave by chance in Leuchars New Cemetery. The new cemetery is located west of Leuchars, adjacentContinue reading “Remembering the Whyte Sisters”

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”

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)”

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”

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”

Euphemia Jack passed away from influenza and acute pneumonia at Kirkcaldy Hospital one hundred and six years ago today, on October 28, at the age of 63. The day before her death, she had buried three of her daughters who had succumbed to the same illness. It is likely that she contracted the Spanish fluContinue reading “Remembering Euphemia Jack”

Since I commenced my search for the Spanish flu dead, all too often, I have encountered instances where multiple members of one family succumbed to Spanish flu. The Jack Sisters of Dysart are my most recent. The railway line between Perth and Edinburgh passes Dysart Cemetery. I never noticed this until I paid for myContinue reading “Remembering the Jack Sisters”

St. Andrews Eastern Cemetery is located next to the Cathedral Cemetery. The Cathedral ruins and the Tower of St. Rule overlook the cemetery. This is where James Nicoll was laid to rest after passing away on December 1, 1918, following a five-day battle with influenza at the age of twenty-three. James was born on JulyContinue reading “Remembering James Nicoll”

The story of William Henderson is one of the saddest I have encountered. William rests with his parents in Bennochy Cemetery, Kirkcaldy. A short walk from the railway station, Bennochy Cemetery is on a gentle slope and boasts an impressive collection of elaborate headstones. William’s headstone is located within the eastern perimeter wall and isContinue reading “Remembering William Henderson”