Close to the shore of Loch Ewe lies a tranquil and scenic graveyard with the ruins of an ancient chapel. When you pass through the gate you step quite literally into history. Since 1997 the site has held the status of “scheduled ancient monument” from Historic Scotland. Within the walls you will find a Pictish stone; the graves of several WW1 sailors; an ancient font stone and the final resting place of local dignitaries.
The ruined chapel is one of the oldest in the Parish of Gairloch and was around 40 feet long by 18 feet wide. A stone bearing the date 1678 could either indicate the time it was built or when it was restored as it is possible that an even older church existed on the site. The burial ground itself is unusual because it is circular rather than rectangular as is usually the case.
Set within low railings to the North-West wall of the church is a recumbent slab being used as a gravestone. At the top end, it is just possible to see a crescent and v-rod symbol further decorated with an arrangement of dots although the extent of weathering makes it difficult to spot even under close examination. Nevertheless, it is one of only two Pictish stones found on the West Coast. As a rule, Pictish stones were erected in areas which had a significant population for the time.
A few steps away from the Pictish stone is a small boulder with a circular hollow. This was probably the font stone for the chapel and may have been used for baptisms.
As for the gravestones, many are so old they do not have any inscriptions and some have been removed from their original place and now lean against the wall.
Any visit to Poolewe should include this wonderful historic site.