In cases of real poverty, the Kirk Session would pay for the funeral out of kirk funds. Ale and tobacco had to be paid for and the relatives would be given £2. Mourners met at the house of the person who had died, and after they had been supplied with some refreshment, would set out on the coffin road carrying the corpse on a bier. The coffin road in Baldernock parish started from the crossroads at Balmore then across the slope of the fields behind the present houses at Acredyke and Whitefauld. The route meandered across the countryside using the easiest paths for those carrying the coffin, with frequent stops, the coffin being balanced on a large rock, eventually down the path known as the Lang Lee to the road which leads from Barnellan to Baldernock School. From there, it led by the twisting road past North Bardowie Farm to Baldernock Churchyard. The ancient route to the church from Balmore was blocked by enclosure in the 18th century and two new routes, for horse and foot, were established.

Fiona Howie, Baldernock Community

Image reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland