Understanding Scottish Graveyards

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.

''Indispensable for those wishing to find out about or visit Scottish graveyards. A new classic.'' – British Archaeology (Reviewing the Third Edition)

''The volume, and Willsher''s numerous other publications, have played a major part in the reinvigoration of the recording and study of Scotland''s burial grounds. Understanding Scottish Graveyards has established itself as a standard work of reference, both for casual visitors and those actively engaged in recording or conservation.'' – Vernacular Building (Reviewing the Third Edition)