Abernyte Churchyard Detail of gravestone of Peter West, d.1789.

Description Abernyte Churchyard Detail of gravestone of Peter West, d.1789.

Collection Papers of Betty Willsher, historian, St Andrews, Scotland

Catalogue Number A 37027 PO

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 803280

Scope and Content Gravestone of Peter West, Parish Church and Churchyard, Abernyte, Perth & Kinross This gravestone shows two millers next to a millstone from which springs the Tree of Life, an ancient symbol common in many cultures. In the centre of the millstone is a carefully cut bow-shaped recess which would contain a 'mouline', (a metal brace which holds the millstone). The millers wear distinctly different sorts of hats, perhaps denoting a master and an apprentice. A ribbon below their feet reads 'MEMENTO MORI' (remember you must die), and the coffin carved below further reinforces this message. Scottish gravestones feature a wealth of imagery and symbolic devices which represent trade emblems, symbols of death and resurrection, and Biblical scenes. They offer a fascinating insight into how our ancestors saw themselves and how they wanted to be remembered, as well as providing a store of information for people interested in family or local history, and folk art. This gravestone commemorates Peter West, who died in 1783. It is inscribed: '1789/This stone was erected by/William West Tenant in K/irkton Mill and Elizabeth/Drummond his spouse in M/emory of their son Peter w/hose dust lies here he d/ied June 1783 aged 18 years/Peace and Sobriety adorned his character'. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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