Ravenspark, Sandy Road, Irvine, North Ayrshire

Northlight Heritage undertook the recovery of human remains which had been disturbed during construction works at the site of the former Ravenspark Hospital, Irvine, North Ayrshire. This was followed by a controlled topsoil strip of the area which revealed the extent of the burials without further disturbance to in-situ graves, and a watching brief on ground disturbance works in the area to the east of the burials. The fieldwork was augmented by a rapid desk-based survey of the historical and map-based background to the site. The fieldwork and research have shown that the area in question was used as an extension to an adjacent cemetery. The cemetery extension came into use in approximately 1910 with the final internment occurring in 1927. It is estimated that hundreds of individuals may be interred within this area, as over 80 graves were identified during topsoil stripping, and records for the institution indicate that the graveyard was re-used on a seven year cycle.