FEARS have been raised over the future of a historic greenspace in the city centre after it was closed off to members of the public last year due to Covid-19.
Locals in Merchant City are pleading with council chiefs to reopen the gates of Ramshorn Cemetery after it was locked up more than a year ago in accordance with public health guidelines.
Since its closure, members of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council have warned that locals and tourists are being deprived of the “only” natural space in the area.
Chairman Dr Duncan MacLaren said: “The graveyard is a historical landmark and has benches dotted about between the trees that form a green canopy over the graves in spring and summer.
“There are paths for strolling and also recycling bins which we have not had access to for over a year.
“It has mostly been closed during the lockdowns caused by the pandemic while the council talked of the need for green spaces for the wellbeing of people. The negotiations are still going on and the people are deprived of the only greenspace in our area.”
The graveyard dates to the early 17th century with several Lord Provosts, numerous tobacco merchants and the victim in the Madeleine Smith trial buried there.
Dr MacLaren added: “Living close to it, I have often seen visitors look through the locked railings to see the graves and try to see the plaque. Burials took place between 1719 and 1916 and so it is one of the oldest burial grounds in Glasgow.
“It could attract more tourists but not when it is locked and its future is uncertain.”
Previously, the land had been rented out by Strathclyde University who own the nearby church. The lease has since expired - meaning the responsibility of the graveyard falls into the hands of Glasgow City Council.
Dr MacLaren said: “The council recognises that it has to take charge of the graveyard but it lacks the funds to pay for cutting the grass, litter picking and general maintenance.
“For a city which says it wants to encourage tourism, its attitude to the graveyard is very odd.
“We all know the council is strapped for cash but special funds could be sourced from conservation bodies to defray costs – or the council could charge an entrance fee.
“For the residents, who want to admire the trees and flowers, read a book in the sun, and use the recycling bins, it should be free.”
A City Property spokesman said: “The University of Strathclyde no longer lease Ramshorn Graveyard which is owned by City Property, an ALEO of Glasgow City Council.
“City Property understands the importance of the space to the local area but is not in a position to open and maintain the graveyard due to budgetary pressures and financial commitments.”
In the meantime, members of Merchant City and Trongate Community Council are exploring options to establish a ‘Friends of the Ramshorn Graveyard’ community group.
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