Peter May Trilogy - Scarista Graveyard

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Photograph © David Wilson

The book The Lewis Man starts with the body of a perfectly preserved body of a young man being recovered from a peatbog at Shader, near Ness. At first it is thought to be a "bog body" until the pathologist conducting the autopsy finds an Elvis Presley Tattoo on his forearm. What had appeared to be a historical find turns into a murder investigation,

Following a converstation with Toromod, Marsali's father, who is suffering from dementia, the investigation leads Fin from Ness to Harris and finally to Eriskay. At Scarista, the graveyard is the scene of an important and somewhat startling discovery by Fin and Detective Sergeant Gunn.

"The church at Scarista stood proud on the hill above a strip of mown grass peppered with headstones marking the final resting place of generations of worshipers. A hell of a view, Fin thought, to take with you to eternity; the smudged and shadowed blue of distant mountains beyond the yellow of the Scarista sands; the ever-changing light from a neveresting sky; the constant refrain of the wind, like the voices of the faithful raised in praise of the Lord."

Exrtract from The Lewis Man by Peter May

Scarista graveyard overlooks the spectacular beach at Scarista and ideal for a relaxing walk. The Harris Golf Course is nearby and has been described as one of the most picturesque 9-hole courses in the world, so if golf is your thing, it is not to be missed! There is also a small gallery, Scarista Studio run by painter David Miles and Scarista House, a former manse, is open to non-residents for dinner.

The west coast of Harris is well known for its stunning beaches, which are easily accessible. 

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