Gates, Cemetery, South Street, Greenock

The cemetery on South Street in Greenock was established in 1846 and spans 80 acres of sloping, wooded land. It features a wide variety of finely carved gravestones from the 19th and 20th centuries, primarily in classical or Gothic styles, including Celtic crosses and obelisks. Many gravestones showcase high-quality bas-relief sculptures and finely carved statuary, with some 18th century tombstones relocated from the site of a previous church in Greenock. Notable structures include a small mausoleum styled like a marble pediment on a raised site and a large Gothic memorial dedicated to Walter Baine, who served as Provost of Greenock from 1840 to 1844.

One significant monument is the 'Highland Mary', created in 1842 by John Mossman. This tall pointed arch stele rests on a rectangular stepped base and is divided into three panels. The upper panel features a Greek bas-relief of a weeping maiden symbolizing 'Grief', while the middle panel depicts the last meeting of Robert Burns and Highland Mary. The lower panel is inscribed with the lines:

'O Mary! Dear departed shade!

Where is thy place of blissful rest?'

This monument is located near the James Watt Cairn.

The James Watt Cairn is a tall, massive cubic monument with a large rectangular block base and stepped levels that culminate in a trabeated structure engraved with 'WATT'. It is constructed from various stones sourced from around the world, including marble and granite, and features plaques on the front and side that list the names and details of donors.

The cemetery gates and gatepiers, designed by architect Charles Wilson in 1847 and crafted by McCulloch and Co of Glasgow, mark the entrance to the cemetery. They consist of a pair of large Greek Revival stone piers with clasping pilasters at the corners, adorned with carved Greek detailing and flat square caps. The tall, double-sided ornate cast iron gates and railings are decorated with a wreath surmounted by a St Andrew's cross motif, which is also reflected in the design of the gate piers.

The cemetery is enclosed by tall boundary walls made of rubble with flat coping, which surround the site and lie to the south of the crematorium.