Dunbar of Hempriggs Memorial, High Street/ St Fergus Road, Wick

3-bay classical wall monument in ashlar and carved stone, of stylised Corinthian columns with moulded cases on pedestals carved with memento mori (skull and cross bones, crossed spades and sticks (?)); dado panels between pedestals, 2 depicting Father Time, 1 of skeleton and coffin; recessed panels above between columns, blank; entablature above with carved ribbon detail to frieze, and mutuled cornice; broken segmental pediment above framing 3 panels, only remaining carving to centre with heraldic shield of Dunbar of Hempriggs and Ackergill coat-of-arms; trumpet-blowing angels resting on pediment, flanked by carved lion and carved figure. Further carved panels above door on opposite wall of enclosure, comprised of wreath and flanking swags.

ENCLOSURE: battered aegyptic rectangular enclosure with bull-faced masonry to entrance elevation, rubble to remainder; battered doorway with 2-leaf timber boarded door and recessed octagonal panel above. Interior walls coursed with shelf(?) recesses, and with recessed ashlar slab panels (uncarved). Roofless.

The memorial is believed to have been moved from the former parish church and enclosed in a new structure in the graveyard when the new church was built. The coat-of-arms belong to Sir William Dunbar (died 1711) and his wife, Margaret Sinclair. The workmanship suggest the work of the craftsmen from Elgin, well-reputed at this time for such masonry work. (Historic Scotland)

September 2008: External inspection reveals the monument has been closed to the public. A notice on the door states that the building is unsafe and there is red tape in front of the entrance. The walls of the enclosure appear to be in a poor condition with a section of loose masonry to the top right of the entrance elevation.

19 June 2012: External inspection finds that since the previous site visit the door has been knocked into the enclosure, taking part of the door frame with it. The memorial is home to plants on all upper flat surfaces.

27 September 2013: Inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously. Plants are encroaching on the exterior. The enclosure's door is lying flat in the interior.

23 February 2024: The John O'Groat Journal reported (9/11/2021) a group of volunteers had undertaken clearance and improvement works within the churchyard.