Piershill Cemetery

Piershill Cemetery is a privately run burial ground in north-east Edinburgh, on Portobello Road in the Piershill district. It is a quiet spot rarely visited by tourists, yet it ties together several distinctive stories: a stage-magic legend, soldiers killed in both world wars, and Edinburgh's Jewish community.

When did Piershill Cemetery open?

Sources differ slightly. The Gazetteer for Scotland gives 1887 as the opening year, while a site devoted to Scottish Jewish cemeteries gives 1889 as the start of burials. The cemetery is still privately owned rather than run by the council, which sets it apart from many of the city's other burial grounds. It also includes a small pet cemetery.

Who is buried here?

The best-known burial is the illusionist who performed as The Great Lafayette, real name Sigmund Neuberger. He died in 1911 in a theatre fire in Edinburgh, and his grave and memorial are among the cemetery's most frequently mentioned. According to one account, he was devoted to his dog and obtained the city's agreement to bury the animal at Piershill on the condition that he himself would be buried there one day too.

The Jewish section

Part of the site is a Jewish burial ground. By one historical account it replaced the already full Newington cemetery and was the third Jewish graveyard in Edinburgh, after Sciennes House Place and Newington. For anyone interested in the story of Jewish life in Scotland, it is an important place on the city map.

War graves

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission lists 142 identified casualties at Piershill. They include First and Second World War graves marked with standard CWGC headstones. Two headstones maintained by the CWGC stand out: they commemorate Jewish soldiers of the Czechoslovak army who served in the Second World War.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Piershill Cemetery? In north-east Edinburgh, on Portobello Road near Piershill. The coordinates are roughly 55.955 N, 3.138 W.

Who is it for? Visitors interested in local history, genealogy, theatre and magic, military history and Jewish heritage. It is not a ticketed attraction with a visitor route, but a working private cemetery.

Can I find the grave of The Great Lafayette? Yes, he is the most famous person buried here, and his memorial is listed among the cemetery's notable graves.

Is there a pet cemetery? Yes, according to the Gazetteer for Scotland the grounds include one.

How should I behave? Remember it is a resting place and remains in use. Keep quiet, do not walk over graves, and be respectful when taking photographs. In the Jewish section, it is worth keeping the community's customs in mind and dressing modestly.

Why visit?

Piershill shows a different side of Edinburgh from the Old Town or the castle. In a fairly small area you find the history of entertainment, the fates of soldiers from different armies, and the story of a religious minority. A visit can be combined with exploring nearby districts of eastern Edinburgh and the seaside at Portobello.

Check access hours and entry rules before you go, since the cemetery is private and may have its own regulations.