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Daily Record
12 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Falkirk cemetery memorial marks almost 1500 people given 'paupers' burial'
MP Euan Stainbank and Strathcarron singers were among those who attended the ceremony A service to remember nearly 1500 children and adults buried in what was once called a 'paupers' grave' was held on Saturday in Larbert cemetery. A small crowd braved torrential rain to attend the service which was organised in a personal capacity by Falkirk councillor Billy Buchanan, who had been shocked to discover so many people buried in the site with nothing to mark their graves. Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank helped to unveil a large panel with information about the large grassy area, beside a simple Celtic cross to remember the 1466 children and adults buried there because they did not have the means to pay for a burial. Those interred on the common ground between 1902 and 1980, include a substantial number of children and adults who passed away while resident at either the Royal Scottish National Hospital (RSNH) or Bellsdyke, the hospital for mentally ill people. Where residents from RSNH and Bellsdyke were buried before 1902 is not recorded. Joining Mr Stainbank in unveiling the board was Dave McQueen, who Baillie Buchanan thanked for being "a wonderful benefactor". Mr McQueen, along with piper Kevin McLean, formed "a coalition group" with Baillie Buchanan to pledge that those buried in the common ground there would be "forgotten no more". Baillie Buchanan said: "We have done a wonderful thing today in remember 1466 individuals that have been lying in this area here." The Strathcarron Singers performed three hymns, including Abide With Me, while piper Kevin McLean led a short procession to the memorial then played a lament before a two-minute silence. Prayers were led by the Reverend Andrew Moore, who also gave a blessing and flowers were placed beside the Celtic Cross. Baillie Buchanan particularly thanked Ian Edwards of Falkirk Council who researched the details of the common ground, including the names of those interred.
Daily Record
30-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Falkirk councillors leads service to remember 1500 people in 'paupers' grave
Baillie Billy Buchanan is determined that those buried in common ground will be 'forgotten no more' A service to remember nearly 1500 people who were given a "paupers' burial" in unmarked graves is being held in Larbert on Saturday, June 6. The ceremony will unveil a simple Celtic cross that has been put in place by Falkirk councillor, Baillie Billy Buchanan, who represents Larbert and Bonnybridge and has a passionate interest in local history. The former Provost was shocked to discover 1,466 bodies had been interred in a small part of Larbert Cemetery and pledged that they would be "forgotten no more". The common ground - once referred to as a paupers' grave - contains people who did not have the means to pay for a burial, so were buried in common ground in the cemetery just off Muirhead Road. The names of the people who were buried are all recorded but there is no indication of where exactly in the site they were buried. Some of those who are buried there had been resident in one of two large hospitals nearby, either the Royal Scottish National Hospital (RSNH), where children were cared for, or Bellsdyke, the former psychiatric hospital in Larbert. However, members of the public not associated with either institution are also interred there and there are also records which show the RSNH and Bellsdyke bought lairs in the main part of the cemetery. Alongside the Celtic cross, there will be information boards to tell people more about the site. The ceremony in Larbert Cemetery, Muirhead Road, Stenhousemuir, on Saturday, June 6, will start at 10.45 am. It will be led by Baillie Billy Buchanan and the Strathcarron Singers and piper Kevin McLean will also be attending.
