Walk in the Past: The graves of Kirkgate

They date from the later 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, and although over 450 graves have been catalogued, it is possible there are more hidden under the grass.

An impressive grave was erected for the Bald family.

Buried there is Robert Bald, a noted mining engineer, Alexander Bald, his brother, and other family members.

The memorial was a gift from John Frances Erskine, the Earl of Mar, however, due to weathering, some of it is now unreadable.

There is a memorial tablet to John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, at the front of this burial plot which was unveiled in 2004.

Almost enclosed by iron railings stands the burial ground of the Jameson family, famous for their association with the establishment of Jameson’s Irish Whiskey.

The Haigs and Steins mentioned were also notable in the local drinks industry.

Among those buried there are John Jameson, a former sheriff clerk of Clackmannanshire, Margaret Haig, his wife, Robert Jameson and Andrew Jameson, both sheriff clerks, and John Alloa Jameson.

Founder of Paton’s yarn mill at Kilncraigs John Paton died on June 12, 1848, and many other members of the family are buried in the same plot.

John Bald of Carsebridge Distillery died on April 20, 1844, and his wife and two children are also buried there.

Ebenezer Ramsay, a former Procurator Fiscal for Clackmannanshire who served for 21 years, died in October 1846 aged 61.

Buried beside him are his wife Margaret, their sons Alexander, John, James, and David, along with their daughter Jane, and David’s wife Elizabeth.

James Lothian, the first printer and publisher in Alloa, and founder of the Alloa Advertiser, died on July 18 1862 and was buried in the graveyard near the old tower, along with his first wife Isabel, and their children Isabel, 8, Margaret,3, and James, 5 weeks, all of whom died in 1819.

His daughter Janet, who lived to 93, and his second wife Margaret are also interred there.

In a recess at the ruins is the headstone of James Cobban, the former Collector of Customs in Alloa, who died in April 1846.

Alexander Jamieson was a surgeon in Alloa and died on July 26, 1826 aged 28 due to an accident in the Ochil Hills.

His grave is inscribed ‘He was suddenly struck down like an oak in the verdure of summer'.

He was ‘public spirited, a pleasant companion and warm friend.’ The stone was ‘raised by a few friends who wished to render the spot where his dust reposes, sacred to his memory.’