Burials

Who is buried at Clachan Comair?

Burials took place at Clachan Comair over several centuries.  Unfortunately, there are no church or civil records in existence that can give details of who is interred there.  In 2000, the late Sue and John Thompson from Kilmorack Heritage Association surveyed the graveyard, recording legible inscriptions on the monuments and headstones.  The results were included in the book ‘Memorial Inscriptions: Parish of Kilmorack’ compiled by Harry Harrison published in 2001 and is available online at the Am Baile (link) website.

 

Burials at Clachain Comair (2000)

The headstones and slabs we see today date mainly from the early 19th century until late 20th century, but we are aware that there are a number of gravestones just below the surface and possibly more buried deeper.  At the present time, a member of the North of Scotland Archaeological Society (NOSAS) is engaged on a fresh survey of the memorials that will involve rolling back the surface layer of grass and moss and recording/photographing any details and then restore the surface to its present state.

Memorial Transcriptions
Fr. Austin Macdonell (1770-1812) Grave No. 17C

Austin Macdonell completed his studies in the Scots College at Rome and returned to Scotland where he was ordained by Bishop John Chisholm at Samalaman in Moidart. At this period, the congregation in the Lower District consisted of only a few Catholics who came to settle there from the upper part of the country.

From 1793 major changes were taking place in the upper reaches of Strathglass resulting in a slight population shift to the Aigas area. The holy and prudent zeal of Fr. Austin, aided by his conciliating manner, was daily producing its fruit in reclaiming lukewarm Catholics and receiving converts into the Church.

At this time a circumstance occurred well for Fr. Austin’s new mission. A son of Mr. Fraser of Moulie in Glen Strathfarrar, who was a Protestant, succeeded to the property of Aigas. This gentleman was received into the Catholic Church and married a Catholic lady. In the year 1800, Aigas was chosen as a more central point for Fr. Austin’s increasing congregation. There, a chapel was commenced and opened in 1801.

Fr. Austin died on 27th March 1812, aged 42 and but is well remembered for his dedication in spreading the Catholic faith in Strathglass.

Lieutenant Colonel James Chisholm (1765-1821) Grave No. 40

Chisholm had a long military career, enlisting in 1779 as a private soldier and rising through the ranks.  He served in locations ranging from India to Argentina and was wounded a number of times.

Chisholm was invalided home to England in 1816, and after this time was involved extensively in helping his poor relations in Scotland, many of whom entered military careers. He was also involved with the African Institution in supporting the anti-slavery legislation.  He died at Fasnakyle in 1821.

The inscription (not clear now) on the memorial reads:
“Here rest the remains of Lieutenant-Colonel James Chisholm, of the Royal African Corps. This most distinguished officer having served his king and country for a period of thirty-eight years in different parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, retired to his native glen covered with wounds. He died on the 19th November 1821, aged 56.”

John Chisholm of Knockfin (1762-1810) Grave No. 13

He was the last head of that branch of the family to reside at Knockfin prior to being removed to make way for sheep.  The memorial commemorates both he and his first wife, Jean Fraser, daughter of William Fraser of Culbokie then the owner of Guisachan Estate.

The inscription (not clear now) on the memorial reads:
“Sacred to the memory of John Chisholm of Knockfin who was born the 2nd day of January 1762 and died on the 26th day of January 1810 and Jean Fraser his Wife and daughter of William Fraser Esquire of Culbokie who was born the 11th day of August 1766 and died the 16th June 1799 erected by youngest son John Chisholm.”

Catherine Mary McLaren (1917-1994) Grave No. 2

The last recorded burial at Clachan Comair.  Catherine was the daughter of Peter McLaren, a gamekeeper on Glen Affric Estate, and Margaret Kennedy.

The inscription (not clear now) on the memorial reads:
“Loving remembrance of Peter McLaren who died at Affric Lodge 21st August 1941 also his beloved wife Margaret Kennedy who died on 21st July 1974 also their daughter Catherine Mary who died 21st June 1994.”

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