Category Archives: Scotland

Remembering the Whyte Sisters

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”

Remembering James Cowan

Camelon Cemetery is one of my favourites. The cemetery is a diverse smorgasbord of headstone designs, spanning from the late Victorian era to the present day. James Cowan rests near the Cemetery’s War Memorial. James died at the King George V Military Hospital in Dublin on October 25 1918, aged twenty-eight, from influenza and pneumonia.Continue reading “Remembering James Cowan”

Remembering Christina McArthur Hunter

Cambuskenneth Abbey dates back to the reign of David I of Scotland in the 12th century. Besides the tower, there are few visible remains of the once-grand Abbey. The most famous burial at the site is James III and Margaret of Denmark; their grave is marked by an impressive monument. In comparison, the grave ofContinue reading “Remembering Christina McArthur Hunter”

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”

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”

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”