Mitchell-Forbes Mausoleum, Strathdon Churchyard, Bellabeg

Unusual and distinctive granite ashlar, 2-stage Egyptian mausoleum forming group with church, churchyard and nearby former manse on edge of Bellabeg village. Greek cross plan 1st stage and reduced square-plan 2nd stage. Battered walls with cavetto cornices, simple treatment. Built for Mary Forbes, wife of Daniel Mitchell.

A fine and rare example of earlier 19th century funerary taste probably designed by one of Scotland's foremost architects who was working on the Forbes' family Castle Newe at this time. (Historic Scotland)

August 2010: External inspection finds this striking building now badly affected by vegetation growths. There are several structural cracks appearing on the walls, and the pointing is in poor condition. A survey of historic kirkyards in Aberdeenshire was carried out in 1998 by Aberdeenshire Council, as part of an initiative for a programme of maintenance and repair, the Mausoleum being one identified as in need of conservation repairs.

7 August 2013: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same conditon as seen previously. Vegetation growths continue to cause concern.