Seafield Cemetery

Ever wonder where some of Edinburgh’s captivating stories rest? Here at Seafield Cemetery, tales whisper from the stones. Seafield Cemetery opened its gates in 1887. It became the final resting place for many Leith residents. The cemetery reflects Leith’s rich history as Edinburgh’s port. The diverse range of individuals buried here speaks volumes about this area. Many headstones bear a nautical connection, echoing the lives of seafarers and those connected to the sea. The cemetery holds a poignant collection of war graves. Many service personnel from both World Wars found their final rest at Seafield. Some rest in dedicated plots, like the military plot in Section B and the admiralty plot in Section M. Others are scattered throughout the grounds. A screen wall in Section M remembers those whose graves remain unmarked. In Section P, a plot holds the remains of those who perished in the Second World War, including five unidentified sailors. Facing this plot is a memorial to 22 service personnel from the Second World War who were cremated at the crematorium within the cemetery grounds. Seafield Cemetery stands as a testament to lives lived, both ordinary and extraordinary. It offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s past, where the stories of the city and the sea intertwine. The cemetery’s impressive entrance lodge and gates, designed in the style of Kinross House, add a touch of grandeur. The crematorium, designed by Leith architect W. N. Thomson, dates back to 1938. You’ll find a columbarium and an Italian-style section towards the south. While exploring Seafield, remember footballer Alex Young (1880-1959), who finally received a marked grave thanks to the Everton Heritage Society in 2017. Consider the tragedies at sea, like the loss of the HMT Firefly in 1940, or the crew of the HMS Saucy in the Firth of Forth. Reflect on the lives lost due to war or accidents at sea. These individual stories, etched in stone, offer a powerful connection to Edinburgh’s past.