Cill a Bhealaich Sartle

Placename Cill a' Bhealaich
Translation the cemetery at the Bealach
Description This is the newest cemetery in the community and is located below the Bealach. This is also the first cemetery in the community that is 'operated' entirely by the Council since it's opening. All other cemeteries had, for some time anyway, been serviced by the community itself. A neighbour or relative would travel throughout the community 'inviting' people to attend. Neighbours and friends of the deceased would take responsibility for digging the grave and also for closing it up after the funeral. On the day of the funeral the 'ciste' or coffin would be carried by the menfolk from the church to the cemetery. In the 1970s it became common practice to hire a vehicle from Roddy Gillies Sartle to take the coffin in the back of his Volkswagon at least part of the distance. The procession of carrying the coffin would be initiated by the neighbours from the same village as the deceased, and all the men who attended the funeral took their turn, if they were able. The last couple of lifts would be by the closest relatives with the immediate family lowering the coffin into the grave. It was rare to see women at the graveside until the early 1980s?
Area Sartle
OS Grid Ref 4471 6802