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MHG29792 - Melness - graveyard

Summary

Cemetery built on raised promontory beside the road and causeway.

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

Cemetery built on raised promontory beside the road and causeway. Stone built enclosure with modern extension at W end. Surrounds the top of a hill. Series of graves from the 19th onwards. Several in large stone walled enclosures (one survives as below ground foundations). War memorial also in graveyard - HAW 4/2004

'Sutherland Monumental Inscriptions', pre 1855
Monumental inscription survey completed by A.S.Cowper & I.Ross.
The survey may not include inscription information after 1855 and each inscription transcribed does not give the full details that appear on the stones, abbreviations used. Some ommissions and inacuracies. First published 1989, reprinted 1991, 1996 & 1999.
J Aitken : 20/12/02

There is nothing further to add to the NMRS entry regarding the tradition of a black marble cist at this site (see MHG9368). The cemetery itself is still in use and sits on, or forms, a mound over 3 m high. As the surrounding ground is all very low-lying and flat this may be an indication of this graveyard being of some antiquity. No early grave-markers or church-foundations were noted, however, on the interior. The cemetery is bounded by a substantial dry-stone wall and is well maintained. There are erosion-scars on the seaward side of these walls that seem to be as a result of rabbit-burrowing and subsequent collapse. <1>

NGR adjusted based on 2023 vertical aerial photographs. <2>

Sources/Archives (3)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred NC 5727 5921 (120m by 134m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	NC55NE
Geographical Area	SUTHERLAND
Civil Parish	TONGUE

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Investigations/Events (1)

External Links (1)