Sympathetic alterations have been made at the South Ayrshire Council Alloway Cemetery, the landscaping has been improved and a new seating area has been created.

The Council’s Bereavement Service Section strives to deliver a high quality of service to the local community, and to visitors to the area who may require assistance.

In 2004, as part of the continuing improvement and assessment of cemeteries carried out by the Council, Alloway Cemetery was identified as one that required attention.

A decision was taken that the central shrub feature, which had become overgrown and unsightly, should be removed and replaced with a central seating feature to address the lack of seating for members of the public.

Alloway Cemetery has close links with the Burns an a’ That Arts Festival, so it was decided that any new seating should complement the existing surroundings, and reflect the importance of art in this area.

Discussions took place regarding the type of seating that should be installed and Officers of the Council contacted David Wilson, a Stone Artist, who is known for his unusual and artistic use of natural materials to create unique features. David has been involved in many high profile projects including the creation of the Dunblane Cemetery Memorial Garden.

David followed an agreed design brief and Paul Cowan, a Sculptor, worked with him to transform the original circular shrubbed area into a beautiful artistic stone walled seating area with three separate seating bays. Each wooden seat is a large single and unique piece of Scottish Yew supported by intricate metalwork stands. Trees have been planted next to the seating in such a way that once they mature they will create pockets of shade.

The alterations have been made to improve facilities for the public without imposing on the surroundings.

In 2003 the Council, seeking external assessment of Masonhill Crematorium, entered it in the National Cemetery of the Year Competition. Independent judges visited the Crematorium unannounced and assessed the level of service provision. The Crematorium was selected by the judges for the final of the competition, and was awarded joint third place along with the City of London Crematorium. Comments from the judges were noted and an improvement plan for the Crematorium was drawn up and has since been implemented.

In order to gain independent assessment of Alloway Cemetery it will be entered into the 2005 Cemetery of the Year Competition.

Graham Peterkin, South Ayrshire Council Depute Chief Executive and Director of Development, Safety and Regulation tries out the new seating as (left to right) David Wilson, Stone Artist and Paul Cowan, Sculptor look on.

May 2005