Lych gate

The unusual stone lych gate at Longside Kirk. The arch gave shelter to mourners arriving for funerals, two recesses in the inside of the walls provided a resting place for coffins. The gateway is dated 1705 but may be contemporary with the 400 year old church which is visible beyond it. The curve of the wrought iron gate elegantly mirrors the curve of the arch. The extra is a serene winged soul on the gravestone of Rev. John Lumsden who was minister of Longside for 15 years before his death in 1732.