On my first visit to the Local News office way back in September 1999, my hope was that tales of the many characters I knew about who were buried in the Southern Necropolis, would be of some interest to readers of that community newspaper. With this monumental issue marking 100 editions, my ‘resurrection’ of history from the Southern Necropolis has reached 74 episodes. A lot has happened since that initial visit.

We have taken a journey together through Glasgow’s rich and varied heritage and opened a window on the past.

I’ve recounted the sad tale of two women killed by a tram car in 1933. Introduced readers to the legend of the White Lady who resides in the cemetery on Caledonia Road, Gorbals and recapped on the memories of those who ran around her as children, desperate to avoid being turned to stone!

Portraits of famous men who shaped Glasgow have been drawn. From Alexander Greek Thomson whose memorial stone was only recently unveiled by Glasgow City’s Lord Provost to Charles Wilson who designed the fine entrance arch to the Southern Necropolis. They, and others, have contributed to the skyline of our fair city.

Among the everyday men and women, who were like valuable cogs in a vast industrial machine, my column has honoured Janet Jack, Bridget Ward and Margaret Jack Adams, all victims of a fire at Higginbotham’s Mill on McNeil Street in 1895. Their story gives us an insight into the workings and dangers of factory life in those days.

In this fine garden cemetery there is also buried Wee Willie White, the blind flute player, whose friends thought so much of him that they made sure he would never be forgotten when he died, by raising the funds for a headstone and lair in the Western Section.

As well as the many deceased ‘residents’ that I have come to know during my research, I have made many ‘living’ world-wide connections. Marilyn and Phil Nelligan from Australia introduced themselves personally by turning up on my doorstep following many months of emails. Who knows, one day I may return the favour and turn up at their place!

Chris Pechal travelled from New York to visit the final resting place of her ancestors and found the whole journey quite emotional – a ‘back to my roots’ experience. More recently, Jane Elliot, connected to the Spanish Civil War Heroine of Matagorda, Agnes Harkness, visited her grave.

The Southern Necropolis has opened my eyes – and mind – in many ways. And I’m sure will continue to do so in the future.

The future for the cemetery has never looked better. It gives me great pleasure to announce that work has started, and funding found, to produce a publication focusing on the Southern Necropolis. It will take the reader along a trail to many lairs and characters.

It is anticipated the book will be available by Christmas this year but I hope to have more information in my next column.

This publication will be a milestone for all of us connected with the Gorbals ‘City of the Dead’. It will be a valuable contribution to its historic legacy.

The Happy Reaper.