Comely Bank Cemetery

Comely Bank Cemetery is a small burial ground in the north of Edinburgh, in the Comely Bank district between Stockbridge and Craigleith, southwest of the Royal Botanic Garden. It was founded in the late 1890s and is best known today for its Commonwealth war graves from both World Wars.

Where is Comely Bank Cemetery and how do you get in?

The Comely Bank area runs from Carrington Road in the north to Learmonth Terrace in the south and falls under the Stockbridge and Inverleith Community Council. It is a quiet residential neighbourhood a short walk or bus ride from the city centre. The cemetery now has just one entrance, in its north-east corner on Crewe Road, so plan your approach accordingly, as the other sides are closed off.

What is the history of the cemetery?

The cemetery was laid out in the late 1890s. Sources give dates from 1896 to 1898, and credit either George Washington Browne or J.M. Dick Peddie as designer. It was run by the Edinburgh Cemetery Company, one of several private firms that operated burial grounds in Victorian Edinburgh. In 1994 Edinburgh City Council bought the site and has been responsible for its upkeep since.

Why do military history enthusiasts visit?

The most significant part of the site is the war graves plot maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). The commission records 227 First World War burials here, mostly in Section D. Many of the men died in nearby military hospitals, including the 2nd Scottish General Hospital, which occupied the former Craigleith Poorhouse and had around 1,000 beds. At least 50 of the servicemen died as a result of the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. Among those buried is Private William Keddie Gourlay of the 3rd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, who died in March 1918 aged 22.

The Second World War plot sits directly in front of the earlier one and holds more than half of the 76 burials from that conflict. There is also the grave of a member of the Finnish Legion and two non-war service burials.

What makes the war graves plot distinctive?

The granite headstones in the plot lie flat on the ground. That choice was made by Sir Robert Lorimer, an Edinburgh-born architect who worked for the Imperial War Graves Commission and designed war cemeteries. Instead of the usual rows of upright stones, you see low, even slabs, which gives the plot a plain and quiet character.

Is Comely Bank Cemetery worth visiting?

It is not a showpiece like Edinburgh's grand monumental cemeteries. It appeals mainly to people interested in genealogy, military history and cemetery design. Be aware that the site has suffered from vandalism, so some features may not be in perfect condition. A visit combines easily with a walk to nearby Stockbridge or the Royal Botanic Garden.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the entrance to Comely Bank Cemetery? In the north-east corner, on Crewe Road.

Who manages the cemetery? Edinburgh City Council, which bought it from its private owner in 1994.

How many First World War servicemen are buried here? The CWGC records 227, mostly in Section D.

Why are the headstones in the war plot flat? The layout was chosen by architect Sir Robert Lorimer, who worked for the Imperial War Graves Commission.