Dove, Killevin Cemetery, Argyll

We visited Crarae Gardens this morning and at the end of a beautiful, sunny walk, noticed the graves nearby.

Many have recently been recarved, and this one immediately caught my eye. I've never seen a dove like this on a stone before. I guess it tells the story of the dove sent out by Noah from the ark, which brought back a branch, symbolising the hope of new life to come.

The stone was erected by Archibald MacFarlane of Minard, in memory of his four children. It tells a sad story. John died aged 2 in 1836. Janet died aged 9 in 1838. Margaret died aged 12 in 1841 and William drowned at sea aged 26 in 1873. His wife Mary died aged 83 in 1888, and Archibald himself died aged 96 in 1899. Two other family members also named Margaret and Janet are also remembered.

We then spent the afternoon in Kilmartin Glen, visiting Dunadd, standing stones, cairns, burial chambers and cup and ring markings.

A drive down to Crinan Sea Lock to watch the activity on the canal, and then dinner overlooking the sea. Scotland at its best, a beautiful day.