Monument record MHG31394 - Alness, Old Parish Church, graveyard

NH66NW 2 6448 6906

This church was said to have been out of use for about 20 years prior to 1963. It bears a date-stone '1775' at the SW corner eave, and two dated '1629' at the base of the belfry.
Visited by OS 5 May 1963.

This church, now roofless (HBD No. 10) has a 1672 Novar Aisle together with a later extension to the N and a burial-enclosure of 1671 to the E. Datestone s comemmorate the fact that the main body of the church in its existing form dates from 1625 and was renovated in 1775. However, its basic rectangular plan and orientation suggest a medieval origin, and on the inner face of the NE wall there is a blocked-up arched opening, in all likelihood a medieval tomb-recess.
G Stell 1986; Information from NMRS record sheet RCR/1/1. <1>

See also:
NH66NW0002 Old Parish Church
J Aitken : 12/12/02
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A comprehensive monumental inscription survey has been completed by the 'Highland Family History Society'. This survey does not include photos of each stone. Please contact Chairperson, John Durham for copies of the report.
JohnDurran@compuserve.com
J Aitken : 18/12/02
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The burial ground at Alness was visited during the Highland Kirkyards project, run by Highland Buildings Preservation Trust. Situated at the edge of the town of Alness, the site consists of a large ruined church structure within a historic burial ground. The graveyard is well maintained with neat grass and gravel paths in parts. To the north of the old graveyard and church the burial ground has been extended and is still used for burials. In the modern section the graves are laid out in straight lines on gravel paths, whilst immediately surrounding the church site to the south, west and east are more randomly laid out, older graves. The ground in this older section is also more uneven.
There is a range of different types of gravestone in the older part, table top, upright, as well as flat slabs on the ground and underfoot. <2><3>