Glasgow group's plan to remember city's 'forgotten' dead

Less well known, however, are the 21,000 common or unmarked graves within the boundaries of the Necropolis, where people were buried when their families or friends could not afford the price of a headstone or lair.

Now, an inspirational project by Aproxima Arts and The Friends of Glasgow Necropolis aims to remember the forgotten thousands with a beautiful wildflower memorial.

This Sunday (December 10) at noon, the first planting will take place in the Eta compartment, which contains 8000 common burials.

Glasgow Necropolis (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

Angus Farquhar, director of Aproxima Arts, explained: “The story of so many people being buried without a headstone or memorial in such a grand cemetery garden touches everyone, as if only money and status can buy immortality.

"The truth is that Glasgow was built on the lives of thousands of folks who lived, worked and died here, often in terrible conditions.

“The humour and warmth and support for a socially-just world that the city is famous for comes from them.”

He adds: “It feels right to make a simple, permanent flower memorial, so we can begin to remember them and find out more about their lives, staging events as we look after the memorial together in years to come.”

An artists' impression of the memorial (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

The flower memorial is part of Aproxima Arts’s new three-year programme Glasgow Requiem, which spans community archaeology, public horticulture, sound works and live performance. Scottish singer-songwriter Karine Polwart will perform a specially-written song on Sunday.

“The Necropolis is split up into compartments named after the Greek alphabet, and it is in Eta, a small unassuming triangle of grass, that we want to collectively grow the flower memorial to the unremembered and rededicate the names and stories we can share into wider public recognition," said Angus.

“Together we will mark and celebrate the lives of those who lived, worked and died in Glasgow at a time of great change, irrespective of wealth or status."

He adds: “This builds on the sterling work undertaken by the Friends of Glasgow Necropolis who started planting the area last year and who have undertaken detailed research on the lives of those buried in common graves across the Necropolis.”

Everyone is welcome on Sunday, adds Angus.

“We will be starting spring bulb planting and public dedication – all are welcome, bring a flask, boots, gloves and something to share,” he said, smiling. “We will meet at the Bridge of Sighs, near Glasgow Cathedral, at noon and we will provide any required tools.

For any questions about the event, email overlunanpm@gmail.com and to donate, check out the group’s JustGiving page.