Bervie cemetery lies approximately 1 mile south of
Inverbervie, nestling just above the village of Gourdon. The grounds
consists of two parts, the original site and an almost equal sized
extension to the south. Official records for this resting place range
from 1899 to the present day. I estimate there are just over 1000 stones
with approx 550 in the original ground and the remainder in the later
extension. The cemetery is still in use.
As you would expect of a cemetery lying on the
coast between two fishing villages, many of the stones relate the tragic
loss of local fishermen. Similarly, the World Wars claimed a number of
local men - many of them as you would expect on naval duty. There is one very common name to
be found - Gove. I lost count of how many, but certainly dozens - a real
haven for anyone researching this one! Other common names to be found
include Christie, Craig, Criggie, Gowans, Lownie, Milne, Moncur, Mowat(t),
Ritchie and Taylor.
Though largely lacking in ornamentation there are
some interesting gravestone designs stemming from the late Victorian
period through to the 1930's. Most stones are granite, with a smattering
of marble and sandstone, along with later darker imported granites in
the newer extension. Other features of note include an iron grave marker
(photo below) and an immortelle (china replica of flowers with a glass
bowl cover) which is intact.
The grounds were in excellent shape on my visit
with the grass short and well tended. The gravel paths were excellent,
level, clean
and bright. All credit to the local council workers who work away in the
background with little or no recognition of their efforts. Mercifully
there was little sign of any deliberate damage to the grounds or stones.
To reach the cemetery by road follow the A92 to
the village of Gourdon. It's on the left just before you reach the
village and is easily seen. Park just outside the main gate.
I visited on a beautiful scorching hot day. However the site is exposed and I
imagine it would normally be quite chilly - dress accordingly!
An interesting and well tended resting place.
Especially recommended to those with fisher backgrounds.
If you require a specific gravestone photo from the above send me your relevant details and
I'll e-mail you what I have. Contact me
here
Click on photos below to enlarge
