Warriston Cemetery Extension, Warriston Road, Warriston

Northern extension to original Warriston Cemetery, part of irregular-plan cemetery with terrace, steps, serpentine paths, river-side walk, catacombs and neo-Tudor bridge, containing important architectural and sculptural monuments, including memorials to several illustrious citizens.

Founded in 1842 by the Edinburgh Cemetery Company (of which James Peddie WS, brother of John Dick Peddie, was a director), and known as The Edinburgh Cemetery, Warriston was one of a number of commercial cemeteries laid out in the mid 19th century by David Cousin. The Prospectus explains that 'the spread of education, and the dissemination of works of art and science... have led all classes to desire that the style, situation and the whole arrangement of Public Burial Grounds should be improved.' 'To the advantage of ground admirably adapted for the purpose, and laid out in a pleasing and appropriate manner,' were to be added 'greater facilities for all classes, especially the Poor,' and 'reduced expenses.'

A mortuary chapel (demolished by 1930) for the use of the Episcopalian community (for which drawings are in the Peddie and Kinnear archive in NMRS) was erected on the terrace above the catacombs. Drawings in the Peddie archive in NMRS indicate that the steps from the terrace in the SE corner were also designed by Peddie. (Historic Scotland)

June 2008: Inspection finds a number of the monuments have been felled and others vandalised. General maintenance of the surrounding grounds is evident but a large number of the monuments have substantial foliage growth over them.

December 2008: The Scotland on Sunday reports on an archive of some 14,000 digital images of the funeray monuments within Warriston Cemetery and Cemetery Extension being donated to RCAHMS by photographer Bob Reinhardt.

2 November 2012: Inspection finds no significant change from the previous site visit.

6 August 2013: Edinburgh Evening News reports a local group - Friends of Warriston Cemetery - has been working with Edinburgh City Council to prevent further damage to the tombstones and monuments whilst ensuring established wildlife in the area is not disturbed. The Friends wish to carefully open up areas to allow the gravemarkers to be visible and make the cemetery safe for visitors to access.

17 February 2015: Inspection finds the site remains in much the same condition as seen previously.

22 October 2020: External inspection finds the cemetery in an improved condition since last site visit. Many grave markers remain damaged or overturned but there appears to be a regular programme of maintenance of the grass and paving. Group of volunteers called Friends of Warriston Cemetery carry out maintenance work of old and new cemeteries. Condition moved to Fair. Risk remains low.