Funeral procession at Soroby graveyard in the 1920s

Photograph of a funeral procession on its way to Soroby graveyard in the 1920s

Courtesy of Ms Rachel Wylie

Before World War II, coffins were made locally from lengths of sarking. MacArthurs’ shop in Scarinish supplied bundles containing black cloth, white cloth, a stack of embossed lead strips, eight handles and cords, and a black plaque, which were taken to the coffin-makers to complete the job.

On the day of the funeral, the mourners would gather outside the house where the coffin would be placed on two dining room chairs. After a short service the procession, traditionally composed only of men, would set off for the graveyard.

The coffin was carried on a bier by relays of men. They were accompanied by a basket containing cheese, oatcakes and whiskey to refresh the mourners on their journey which could be several miles long.

Laser print of a black and white photograph of a funeral procession on its way to Soroby in the 1920s.

Funeral procession on its way to Sorobaidh graveyard. (From Myra Lamont’s photograph album of the 1920s.)