The Sailor's Grave
A roadside grave between Lochranza and Catacol, where a sailor was buried in 1854 and passers-by still leave pebbles from the beach.
On the shore road between Lochranza and Catacol, a low grassy mound heaped with pebbles marks the Sailor's Grave.
It is easy to drive past, but the story behind it is worth knowing.
In 1854, a sailor named John McLean died on a ship off the coast, thought to have had cholera. Fearing the disease, the people of Lochranza would not let him be buried in their churchyard, and at Catacol the answer was the same. In the end he was laid to rest here by the road, between the two villages.
Over the years, people passing by began to pick up a pebble from the beach and place it on his grave, as a mark of respect and perhaps an apology. The stones are still there today, and the pile keeps growing. Take a pebble from the shore and add yours to it.
Open at all times, by the side of the road.
- Where
- Between Lochranza and Catacol.
- Buried
- 1854.
- Custom
- Leave a pebble.
By the coast road between Lochranza and Catacol, KA27 8HL.
Lochranza CastleA castle on a spit in the loch.1 mile3 min by road
Lochranza DistilleryArran whisky, just up the glen.2 miles4 min by road
Cìr MhòrThe jagged granite peak at the head of Glen Rosa and Glen Sannox, 798 metres high, its name meaning big comb.6 miles14 min by road
The Lighthouse, PirnmillA family-run restaurant at Pirnmill on Arran's west coast, with a menu that changes every two weeks and sunsets over Kilbrannan Sound.6 miles10 min by road
North Glen Sannox6 miles15 min by road
Places to stay near the grave, and when each is next free.
Scotland, in print.
Every photograph commissioned, every word written by somebody who went. Printed twice a year, made in Scotland.
For further reading, before you go.