A monumental achievement in Banffshire heritage

A team of volunteers from Portsoy Salmon Bothy have had their efforts rewarded with the publication of a booklet aimed at family historians worldwide with Fordyce connections Back in 2015, work began on recording the inscriptions on gravestones in Fordyce kirkyard, in association with Aberdeen & North East Scotland Family History Society.

The initial transcription phase was followed by further work to check the accuracy of each record, with volunteers turning out at regular intervals and in every weather.

Despite careful planning, the project was not completed without a few hiccups. A chance beam of sunshine brought to light a surprisingly recent stone which had been gradually enveloped by the dense branches of a yew tree. Then, with initial readings already taken, a long drought revealed the existence of previously unknown stones lying beneath the turf.

The booklet is price £3 and is available to purchase from the Salmon Bothy online shop at https://familytr.ee/fordyce