Graveyards & Memorials

Graveyards and memorials are places of individual and collective memory that are distinctive in Scotland’s built heritage. In some, where personal associations have lapsed as communities have changed, they become historic documents of past lives and cultural relationships to death. In others, they retain living emotional connections for individuals and a community sense of belonging.

In contemporary Scotland, the diverse character and situations of Scotland’s graveyards and memorials face increasing change. Many churches are ceasing to function as places of communal worship and become disused or move into private ownership and other uses. At the same time, graveyards are recognised as greenspaces benefitting biodiversity and human wellbeing.

As their functions and management becomes more diverse and less certain, the need for appropriate practices of care, access and recognition for our graveyards has never been greater. At Arc, we have considerable experience of supporting public and community bodies in the care and repair of graveyards and memorials and can support a range of approaches to sustain their individual heritage and community values.