Kilkivan Cemetery needs your help
The former site of Campbeltown Cross is in need of some care and attention after falling into a state of disrepair. Organisers hoping to start a ‘Friends of Kilkivan Cemetery’ group want to tidy up the grounds of the ancient chapel and graveyard, establish better access, and preserve historic artefacts at the site, one kilometre east of Machrihanish. A meeting will be held in Machrihanish Village Hall at 7.30pm on Monday February 4 to discuss plans for creating such a group. Angus Nimmo, who has relatives buried at the graveyard, said: ‘Due to Argyll and Bute Council cutbacks, Kilkivan Cemetery receives only occasional maintenance, with the result the site has deteriorated into a state of disrepair. ‘This graveyard not only contains the remains of relatives of past and present residents of Drumlemble and Machrihanish, but also has eight 14th and 15th century West Highland tombstones, as well as being the former site of Campbeltown Cross. ‘These slabs are open to the atmosphere and need to be protected from the elements.’ An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: ‘Kilkivan is a closed cemetery and therefore only receives minimum maintenance. ‘Year-on-year cuts to our funding mean that, like all councils, we must make changes to how we work. ‘Sometimes we cannot do as much for our communities as we would like, with this being one such case.’ Councillor John Armour, who will be at the meeting to which all are invited, added: ‘I am happy to support the proposed group in taking forward plans to improve the look and condition of the cemetery.’