Overview

Graveyards hold a special fascination. We’re drawn to their quiet beauty, the artistry and symbolism of their carved stones, and the stories they preserve of lives once lived. Understanding Scottish Graveyards remains the essential guide to exploring and interpreting this rich part of Scotland’s heritage. First published in 1985, Betty Willsher’s groundbreaking work transformed how we understand historic gravestones. She combined meticulous fieldwork with an accessible appreciation of their cultural and historical significance. This new, expanded fourth edition—produced in collaboration with Archaeology Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland—honours that legacy while fully embracing the digital age. The original text is updated to include a new regional gravestone symbols guide, based on Willsher’s survey of more than 660 graveyards across Lowland Scotland. Crucially, information in this edition is linked to freely available online archives and resources, opening the door for today’s readers and community researchers to continue Betty Willsher’s pioneering work. Through its blend of insight, guidance, and practical advice, Understanding Scottish Graveyards invites us all to explore, record, and protect Scotland’s remarkable historic gravestones—ensuring that the carvings etched in stone endure for generations to come.

Full Product Details

Author:   Betty Willsher ,  Susan Buckham (Kirkyard Consulting)
Publisher:   Archaeopress
Imprint:   Archaeopress Archaeology
Edition:   4th Revised edition
ISBN:  

9781805832379

ISBN 10:   1805832379
Pages:   262
Publication Date:   26 March 2026
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Preface to the 2005 Edition of Understanding Scottish Graveyards Foreword to the 4th Edition Chapter 1.The Graveyards Chapter 2.Types of Monuments, Symbols and Inscriptions Chapter 3. Recording and Studying Graveyards Appendix: Adam and Eve Stones, Abraham and Isaac Stones and Quarles Stones The Regional Guide Introduction to the Guide to Scottish Gravestone Symbols by Region Aberdeenshire Angus Ayrshire Banffshire and Morayshire Clackmannanshire and Kinross-shire East Lothian Fife Kincardineshire Midlothian Perthshire Scottish Borders: Berwickshire, Selkirkshire, Peeblesshire and Roxburghshire Southwest Scotland: Dumfriesshire, Kirkcudbrightshire and Wigtownshire Stirlingshire and Dunbartonshire West Lothian Afterword Glossary Examples of Built Features Found in Graveyards Further Reading Bibliography

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Author Information

Dr Susan Buckham specialises in the study of Scottish historic graveyards, with a particular focus on burial sites of the post-Reformation period. Drawing on 20 years of experience in graveyard recording, conservation, research and interpretation, Susan’s knowledge and skills span graveyard history and development, conservation good practice, and the policy and legislation relevant to burial ground management and protection. Susan is currently the Graveyards Project Manager at Edinburgh World Heritage and runs Kirkyard Consulting, a consultancy specialising in the conservation and research of Scottish graveyards. She is an Honorary Research Fellow, History at the University of Stirling. As a member of the Death in Scotland Conference Committee, Susan works to raise awareness of and accelerate interest in research into Scottish death studies. Susan is also the Deputy Chair and Treasurer of the National Committee on the Carved Stones in Scotland (NCCSS).

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