From Highland roots to Queensland soil – a journey of grit, grace, and granite.

Beneath the shade of eucalypts and the watchful gaze of sandstone angels, South Brisbane Cemetery holds the stories of Scots who journeyed far from home to leave an indelible mark on a young colony.

This guided walk invites you to explore the lives of these settlers – from skilled tradesmen to quiet achievers – whose Scottish heritage helped shape Brisbane’s early identity in remarkable and sometimes unexpected ways.

Among the tales you’ll discover:

🥃 A whiskey distillery owner and the inventive mind behind a new corn sheller
🏛  The proud uncle of two renowned brothers — one a Government Medical Officer, the other a celebrated architect
🎖  When a Highlander greeted the Duke of Edinburgh during his 1868 Brisbane visit
👮 Like father, like son — a prison officer and policeman with a surprising link to Goodna Asylum
🙏 The Glaswegian reverend, mourned as “a brother, kind and wise in counsel”

As you stroll through these historic grounds, you’ll encounter not only headstones, but echoes – of families, faith, resilience, and ambition – and a deep pride that crossed oceans and generations.

This tour is a tribute to the Scottish community of South Brisbane – their stories etched not only in stone, but in the very fabric of the city.

Because while their accents may have faded, their legacy endures.

All of our tours are not-for-profit, with all money raised going to our cemetery history and maintenance projects.

Prices

• Single bookings: $10 per person.