If you are planning a conservation or restoration project and want expert guidance, reach out to start the conversation.
The Medieval Kintyre Grave Slabs are 14th–15th century West Highland carved stones in Kintyre churchyards, valued for their rare surviving medieval sculpture and memorial design.
Several of Kintyre’s medieval carved slabs have been left exposed to the elements for years, putting their surfaces and long-term survival at risk. The project brings local groups together with Historic Environment Scotland and conservation specialists to protect, conserve, and ultimately present these nationally significant stones more safely and accessibly.
Emergency enabling works were carried out first—such as stabilising the wall above the Kilkivan slabs and renewing wall bracing—so the stones and surrounding masonry could be handled safely. The Kilkivan West Highland grave slabs were then lifted and transported to a conservator’s workshop for safekeeping and treatment, while stabilisation work also took place at Killean and Kilchenzie.
These stones are a fragile, irreplaceable record of medieval life and craftsmanship in Kintyre, and once surface detail is lost, it’s lost permanently. Conserving them now helps prevent further damage, supports future learning and heritage access, and underpins the wider goal of making Kintyre’s medieval sites safe and engaging for locals and visitors.
If you are planning a conservation or restoration project and want expert guidance, reach out to start the conversation.
