Introduction

The church of Old Kinnernie, now in ruins, was dedicated to St Mary in the early 13th century and abandoned when the parish of Kinairnie was united with Midmar in 1740. (National Grid Reference: NJ72530 09570) It is located to the left of the A944 Aberdeen to Alford road some 6 miles west of Elrick on an unnumbered road marked Lyne of Linton. (Do be careful when rejoining the main road as the junction is at a bad double bend). The boundary wall can be seen to the left-hand side on driving up the slight hill and foot access is through two gates into what seems to be private property but is signposted to the church and graveyard. The foundation courses of masonry are all that remain of the church today. The Society is indebted to Graham Ewen for his initial work in transcribing the gravestones and preparing a plan of the graveyard. These were updated by Sheila Spiers and the late Margaret Brown a few years ago; and more recently by myself. Of 4 new stones, one has a Gaelic inscription – so our thanks also to Margie Mellis, Chairperson of the Society for her translation Jean Shirer May 2013