Resting Cairns, Glen Roy

Resting cairns can be found on roads or paths leading to church sites. When a coffin had to be carried a long distance to a burial ground, occasional stops were made along the way in order for the bearers to rest. At these spots, a cairn would traditionally be erected.<br /> <br /> These resting cairns are on the road through Glen Roy and were photographed by M.E.M. Donaldson in the first half of the 20th century. <br /> <br /> Mary Ethel Muir Donaldson was born in 1876 and came to the Highlands around 1908. She travelled extensively around the North and West Highlands, writing and taking photographs. Between 1912 and 1949 she produced many books on the social history and customs of the North and West Highlands. 'Wanderings in the Western Highlands and Islands' and 'Further Wanderings - Mainly in Argyll' are two of her best known works and both are illustrated with her own photographs. She died in a nursing home in Edinburgh in 1958, and was buried in Oban <br /> <br /> <br /> This image can be purchased.<br /> For further information about purchasing and prices please email the<br /> <a href="mailto: photographic.archive@highlifehighland.com">Highland Photographic Archive</a> quoting the External ID.