The site of St Devenick on the Hill consists of a
free church built in 1844 and a nearby graveyard opened in 1850.
The church building was paid for almost entirely
by Alexander Thomson of Banchory and still exists. It appears to have
been converted for another use, though I could not be sure on my visit
what that use was. What did strike me was the ugliness of the church
building. Possibly the ugliest church structure I have ever seen! But
that's my opinion - go and check it out for yourself.
Happily the graveyard is much more pleasant. This
lies approximately 200 metres south-east of the church. It is especially
noted as the last resting place of the Stewarts of Banchory & Leggart
and their mausoleum can be seen in the north-east corner.
The site mostly consists of twentieth century
stones with just a few of the late Victorian period. As a result there
are few signs of stone ornamentation but most inscriptions are clear and
easy to read. The grounds are in good condition with the grass kept neat
and tidy. Congratulations once again to Kincardineshire Council for a
job well done. The surrounding mature trees overhang the site in a
number of places creating some gloomy spots. Ideally these should be
trimmed back especially where stones are being enveloped in low
branches.
Finding the site from Aberdeen you follow the
South Deeside Road (B9077) until just after Banchory-Devenick church
when you should see a small road to the left. Go up this road to a T
junction, turn left and you should see the Free Church on your right
after a few hundred metres. Not the easiest to find, but take your time
and you'll be fine.
Try and ignore the church building, go on a nice
warm sunny day and you should find the visit a pleasant experience. Not
the most interesting gravesite in the county but worth a visit
nonetheless.
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
