‘No respect for our dead’

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Chairman of Friends of Hawkhead Cemetery Des Barr said: “The decision by officials to lay flat the headstones has been met with widespread anger and disappointment among relatives and friends who visit their dearly departed.

“This act shows no respect for how these memorials are dealt with.

“There are alternative ways that other local authorities deploy to deal with this issue, but so far Renfrewshire Council officials have ignored our pleas to consider these.”

The Scottish Government instructed councils to review the safety of all headstones within its cemeteries following the tragic death of Ciaran Williamson.

The eight-year-old was crushed by a falling headstone in Glasgow in 2015.

Des would like Renfrewshire Council – which has flattened 1,500 headstones to date – to follow the lead taken by Inverclyde and East Renfrewshire councils which is using different methods of keeping headstones upright.

Des added: “My parents, along with countless other loved ones, rest in peace within the sacred grounds of cemeteries in Renfrewshire.

“Many feel that the council’s action in toppling headstones disregards our cultural norms and traditions surrounding death and remembrance.

“The Friends of Hawkhead Cemetery group has proposed several alternatives to this approach but, so far, these suggestions have fallen on deaf ears.

“Cemeteries are not just a place to bury our dead, they are also places for us to remember and honour them.

“In fact, visiting grave sites can play an essential role in the grieving process by providing a physical space for remembering our loved ones.

“We call upon Renfrewshire Council to reconsider their decision on laying flat headstones in all their cemeteries. We also urge the council to engage more openly with Friends of Hawkhead Cemetery about alternative solutions that show more respect for our deceased loved one’s memory.”

Urging Buddies to get behind the Friends of Hawkhead campaign, he said: “Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving dignity and respect within our final resting places.”

Renfrewshire Council has been approached for comment.

For more information on the campaign, see the Friends of Hawkhead Cemetery Facebook page and, to sign the petition, log to www.change.org/p/stop-renfrewshirecouncil-toppling-headstones-at-localcemeteries