Orkney Image Library

I was once told by a man just up from the kirk The only reason there was no Gates on this part of the graveyard was that the builder had gone on the drink spent all the money for the gates and had to build the stone steps instead it was an interesting story for a youngster to hear then

Hi Rodney! The story I heard was that it was to make sure the kye couldn't get into the kirkyard.
I wonder how many other stories might have been given as the reason for it?

Stairway to Heaven!

Hi Isobel the one about the cattle is probably the real story. Great times out there, sadly some of the story tellers have gone but never forgotten. I must try and upload some photos soon you should know some of them take care x

Yae were aye a bit daft Beryl, fine tae see yae hivna changed.

There is similar access tae The Middlemores Grave in Melster and I was telt as a bairn that hid wis keep the kye oot as weel.

I wid like to think Rodney's version is true

I'll look forward to seeing them, Rodney X

I suppose there are no many trees in Wyre for making wooden gates which funny enough there are wooden gates at the other end oh the kirkyard and the kye did get in through them some times. Saved me cuttan the grass but we had to straighten the stones up again oh happy days.

I've heard that suicides wirno allowed in through the gate bit the 'ragstones' wir left aff o bit for the coffin tae be passed ower.

This can be seen in North Ronaldsay an, I think, Stenness,an maybe more.

In Sanday they wir buried ootside the dyke.
Is this why there's no 'rag' at the side o the gate here?