Burial ground of the Macnabs, Innes Bhuidhe, Killin

Burial ground of the Macnabs on Innis Bhuidhe is a small walled cemetery on an island in the River Dochart, in the village of Killin in the Stirling council area of Scotland. It is the traditional resting place of the chiefs of Clan MacNab and one of the most atmospheric historical corners of Killin, close to the western end of Loch Tay.

Where is the burial ground?

The site occupies Innis Bhuidhe, also written Inchbuie, a wooded islet in the middle of the Falls of Dochart. The island lies right beside the old road bridge that carries traffic through Killin. Trees cover most of it, and the river runs loudly on both sides, particularly after rain.

How do you get in?

Access is by a small iron gate at the foot of a flight of stone steps beside the Dochart Bridge, at the western end of the island. A path leads from there along the island to the enclosure at the far end. The gate is normally locked. Keys can be obtained from the Breadalbane Folklore Centre at the Old Mill in Killin. Anyone who prefers not to go in can still see the outside of the site from the bridge.

What is inside?

Canmore, the national record of the historic environment, dates the main enclosure to the 18th century. The chiefs of the clan were buried inside this walled space, while graves of ordinary clan members lie outside it on the east side. Around fifteen graves are recorded within the burial place itself, nine of them belonging to clan chiefs.

Among the monuments is an apparently medieval slab with a carved effigy, one of the oldest carved stones on the site. A grave of Finlay MacNab dated to 1573-4 is also recorded here. Many of the other stones are plain or only roughly marked, which gives the place its quiet, weathered character.

Heritage status

The burial ground, together with its screen wall and gatepiers, is a Category B listed building in the Historic Environment Scotland records, listed on 5 October 1971.

Who were the Macnabs?

Clan MacNab is a Highland clan associated historically with the Killin and Loch Tay area. The island cemetery is the physical record of that connection, and the Clan MacNab Society still describes it as the clan burial ground.

Visiting tips

• Combine the visit with the Falls of Dochart, which are a few steps away.
• Pick up the key at the Breadalbane Folklore Centre before you go.
• Wear shoes with grip, as the steps and path can be wet and uneven.
• Allow around half an hour for the island, longer if you want to read the carved stones.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit the Macnab burial ground? Yes, with a key from the Breadalbane Folklore Centre. The outside can be seen from the bridge at any time.

Is the site protected? Yes, it is a Category B listed building.

Who is buried here? Chiefs of Clan MacNab and members of the clan.