LOCAL NEWS Columnist Colin Mackie launched his new ‘City of the Dead’ book, co-written with Paul O’Cuinn, at the Mitchell Library in October.

Colin, who writes our Down Oatlands Way column every month, used to write a column about the Southern Necropolis, Glasgow’s biggest graveyard. Officially opened in 1840 it is the subject of the book which is dedicated to the memory of Charlotte Hutt who inspired his research.

The new book, funded by newly established Scottish charity South Glasgow Heritage and Environment Trust (SGHET) and Glasgow City Council, was 18 months in the making. It features stories about some of the characters buried in the cemetary, has illustrations from Sunday Herald Illustrator Adrian B. McMurchie and even has a map guiding you round the final resting places of the people featured in the book – hence its pocket size.

Colin said, ‘This book is a landmark for the Southern Necropolis and opens a window in time into Glasgow’s past. We have to respect and value these places and remember the vast heritage they hold. People left headstones for a reason and we shouldn’t forget that.’

Colin’s co-author Paul told the LOCAL NEWS, ‘I’m relieved it’s finished! It was a lot of hard work. If people knew more about where they came from they would take more pride in their community. The Southern Necropolis is a snapshot of the people that made Glasgow the second city of the empire - from the people who paid for buildings to be built to the people who cleaned them.’

SGHET Chair, Isobel Barrett commented, ‘The turnout at the launch has been well worth the effort it has taken to get here and reflects the upsurge in people’s interest in family history.

‘The Southside has a great wealth of history and heritage and people are desperate to find out what part their family had in that story.’

Anderston/City Councillor, Phillip Braat attended the launch  and added, ‘This was a great event and is the culmination of people coming together to promote and develop awareness of the rich history of the cemetery and the social fabric of Glasgow.’

The book costs £5.99 and is available from Waterstones, www.cityofthedead.com, and will be available in all Glasgow’s public libraries.

Those with an interest in the city’s graveyards can also check out Colin’s websites at www.southernnecropolis.com, and www.glasgowgraves.co.uk.