image copyright Rachel Windsor

Warriston Cemetery was opened in 1843, and is an excellent example of a Victorian garden cemetery, laid out by David Cousin who was responsible also for the Dean Cemetery design.

Garden cemeteries are not attached to a particular church, but usually have a small chapel within the grounds. They are a consequence of the urban population boom following the industrial revolution, and owe much to the Pere la Chaise cemetery in Paris which opened in 1804 and is perhaps the world's most famous cemetery.. Like its Parisian counterpart, Warriston Cemetery was designed to be a beautiful and tranquil place, as well suited to an afternoon stroll as macabre reflections.

The cemetery is bounded by Warriston Road to the east, and by the Water of Leith to the south, and Warriston Path intersects it on its way from Steadfastgate to Canonmills.

Since 1929, the cemetery has been associated with Warriston Crematorium, which was formed in this year at neaby East Warriston House.