Dursideer 3
CHURCHES and GRAVEYARDS in Dumfries and Galloway
DUMFRIESSHIRE -- Churches and Graveyards
Durisdeer Graveyard
Table stone burial with boxed in sides and end supports.  These are not uncommon in old graveyards.
Often theses supports become detached and are removed leaving the main table slab lying over the grave
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above and below: ~ side or end slabs from a boxed table stone have been cemented into the boundary wall.
Carved gravestones built into the boundary walls.  The inscriptions can no longer be accessed.
Stones are stacked against the church walls, they could be read if the stones were moved. 
Moving such heavy slabs of sandstone is dangerous without proper equipment and the skills to use it properly. 
Although the inscription on this stone is not accessible the carvings have meaning to the viewer.
Mortality symbols top and bottom: ~ the hour glass reminds all that life is for a limited period and crossed bones indicating that death is inevitable.  The symbols in the middle section depict a spade and a pickaxe. 
Such symbols indicate the trade of the deceased person, possibly a road maker or 'causier' .
This gravestone is a memorial to a taylor as is shown by the large scissors and the flat iron.
The broken top from this gravestone now lies half buried below it but the inscription is no londer readable
In this instance the trade of the deceased obviously has to do with building as is shown by the carving of a man holding a mallet and chisel.  The inscription on the other side of the stone provides the full detail.
A very old gravestone dated 1703 commemorates John Glencorse.

Here lies the corps of Alexander BROUN in Auchenleck who departed this life June 1736 aged 59 years.

Durisdeer Graveyard