Dangerous headstones at one of Scotland’s oldest churchyards will be removed for restoration.
Several centuries-old stone markers in Greyfriars Cemetery in Perth, have been strapped with warning tape by council bosses, after a new survey found they were at risk of collapse.
The burial ground, which dates back to the 16th century, is regarded as home to some of the best collections of old graves in Scotland.
Most of the monuments in urgent need of attention date back to the 1800s. Among them is a large Celtic cross dedicated to Inchture architect Andrew Heiton.
A spokeswoman for Perth and Kinross Council, which maintains the historic city centre site, said: “The council recently visited Greyfriar’s Kirkyard to carry out a visual inspection and, as a result, a number of memorials were found to be unstable.
“As an initial response to this, we applied warning tape until we could undertake a full headstone survey.”
She said: “Following a full inspection, it has been decided that the identified memorials will be taken down and made safe.
“They will then be fully re-instated at our earliest opportunity in respect of the heritage nature of the site.”
Conservative councillor Angus Forbes, head of the environment and infrastructure committee, said: “The council has a duty to make these unstable stones safe, and I am pleased they will be reinstated to make the graveyard a pleasant place to visit again.”
As cemetery managers, the council is legally obliged to make sure its burial grounds are safe to visitors, staff and even trespassers.
Health and safety legislation insists that regular inspections are carried out to identify any potential hazards.
Greyfriars became the burgh’s main burial ground in 1580, after the kirkyard at St John’s reached capacity.
It had previously been the site of the Franciscan Friary, founded by 1496 and dissolved in 1559.
The site contains a group of 18th Century stones, with traditional winged souls, hourglasses and skulls and crossbones.
None of the site’s oldest stones – including one from 1580 – are included in the restoration programme.
In recent years, Greyfriars has become a haunt for under-age drinkers and several headstones were spray-painted in a malicious attack last summer.
