In this special 80th anniversary of VE day and the many events taking place across the UK and in many other lands,

on behalf of the Scottish Cremation Society and all staff of Glasgow Crematorium, we would like to pay our respects and give thanks to those who fought for our country, preserved our way of life here in the UK , as well as across Europe, and in particular to those sadly, who paid the ultimate price .

Their sacrifices will never and should never be forgotten .

Today, April 25th, is the 110th anniversary of Anzac Day—a day of remembrance for the immense loss of life during the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign of World War One.

We mark this day in the Western Necropolis Cemetery, at the graves of those whose lives were lost on those distant shores, but who were eventually laid to rest in Commonwealth War Graves here in Maryhill.

A simple sermon by the graveside of Australian and New Zealand casualties, delivered with compassion by Reverend Mark Johnstone, was followed by the haunting and emotive strains of the Last Post, a piper’s lament, and then—as dawn broke—the bugler sounded Reveille.

White crosses, each bearing a soldier’s name, were placed on graves by family members, while military personnel and Council dignitaries laid poppy wreaths in a simple act of commemoration—lest we forget them indeed.

In these turbulent and unsettling times, perhaps we should also take to heart the poignant words of the Kohima Epitaph, often spoken at remembrance services and inscribed on veterans’ memorials and monuments throughout the world:

“When you go home,

Tell them of us and say;

For your tomorrow,

We gave our today.”

Today, we remember and honour our war dead—in the hope that future conflicts can be avoided.

Glasgow Crematorium.

Glasgow Crematorium – Dedication of Memorial Stained Glass Window

World Day of Reflection of the Covid Pandemic – 9th March 2025

The world reeled in horror and shock at the onset of the Covid 19 Pandemic in March 2020, a time forever etched into our memories. The resulting consequences and fallout continue to this day. None of us truly anticipated a viral pandemic would result in the massive worldwide loss of life or the overwhelming numbers of people whose health continues to be adversely affected by Covid.

Today, 9th March 2025, has been declared by the UK Government to be a Day of Reflection for those affected by Covid.

This stained-glass window has been placed here in our memorial arcade in commemoration of those who sadly perished and it is also dedicated in recognition of those who survived and for those who valiantly assisted in the fight against Covid.

We take a moment in time today to remember, acknowledge and reflect on personal loss and to recognise the suffering of others across the world. We give thanks that, although undoubtedly changed by Covid, we survive to remember and cherish our loved ones who sadly did not.

Please find further information at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-announces-covid-19-day-of-reflection-2025

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to attend this year’s Christmas Carol Remembrance Service on Sunday 1^st December . It was lovely to see many familiar faces but also heartening to see new faces in what we hope was a communal time of comfort and support but also a wee breathing space, often much needed at this hectic time of the year just for self reflection. The Reverend Mark Johnstone was very much on form and brought a smile to everyone’s face, that man would get a piece at anyone’s door!

Niamh, our star vocalist provided a splendid rendition of Ave Maria. Thank you Niamh.

We collected £155.30 in cash donations and oodles of bags of goodies for the St Gregory’s Food bank who wish me to pass on their personal thanks. Anything received is always gratefully appreciated.

As such we will be extending the opportunity for anyone who wishes to contribute to St Gregory’s Food Bank between now and the run up to Christmas to donate by leaving their gift , small or large at the admin office which can be accessed off the New Chapel Lane to the rear of the crematorium.

To view the service please click here and enter the username: pino4048 & password: 891958

It now only leaves us to wish you the very best for the festive season and what we all hope will be a peaceful but joyous New Year.

The Cremation Society of Great Britain recently celebrated their 150th anniversary and very kindly donated a tree for our Garden of Reflection.

As the first crematorium to open in Scotland in 1895, we were especially honoured to celebrate this significant milestone. It was a privilege to participate in this special occasion.

We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the Society on their 150th anniversary and special thanks go to their Chair, Professor Hilary J. Grainger, and Executive Officer and Secretary, Wendy Buchan, for travelling from England to attend the ceremony.

Additionally, the tree chosen for this ceremony, a Persian Ironwood, was locally sourced and will enhance the surrounding view for many years to come.

Glasgow Crematorium.

14/11/2024

We are delighted to announce that preparations are underway towards hosting our traditional Christmas Remembrance Service on Sunday 1^st December, at 2:30pm.

The service will be presided over by our very own minister, Rev. Mark Johnstone, who promises to lend vocal support as well as provide carefully considered words of comfort with his usual blend of soft humour and good grace. Centre stage will of course be our splendid Christmas tree, interactive memorial bauble and candle lighting ceremonies and an opportunity for you join us in song and belt out a few feel-good old-time Christmas Carols. Light Festive Fayre will be available at the end of the service along with an opportunity for a good blether.

This type of event is made special by your attendance and participation, and we very much hope to see old friends as well as new faces on the day.

Too early to be the first to say Merry Christmas ……. perhaps!

Glasgow Crematorium.

We would like to thank all of you who took time out of busy schedules to attend our Doors Open event on Sunday 22nd September.

We try to impart a little about the diversity in our social heritage and the historical value of this facility whilst promoting its unique charitable service, hence our low fees to combat funeral poverty. More importantly we provide a clear insight into the daily running of the crematorium, its technology and the environmental and regulatory controls and standards to be met in ensuring a competent and lawful service is delivered. However, it is more than that. It is an opportunity for you to meet the very well qualified and experienced staff who work here and reassure you that a sensitive and caring service is provided to all who have need of our services and to remove any fears or anxiety you may have about what goes on in a crematorium. The tour is informative yes, but humour is injected throughout the visit to lighten the mood and remove any concerns visitors may have about seeing back house operations. For those visitors who commented in a highly complementary manner, we thank you as without your participation and engagement the Doors Open event could not take place. A special thanks goes also to Emma for the production of homemade tablet and shortbread.

For those who missed that sweet treat, there is always our Christmas Service on the first Sunday each December, more details of which can be found on our Events page on our website.

Thank you for a most enjoyable day.

The 25^th of April commemorates the significant numbers of Australian and New Zealand fatalities , 2000 men in one fleeting day , in the strategic landing and battle at Gallipoli in Turkey during the Second War . This is a day when all Aussies and Kiwis remember in solemn and quiet gratitude those terrible losses so far from native soil and it is fitting that the nation gives grateful acknowledgement to those who fell and those who survived this terrible time of conflict as memorial services are conducted across Australia and New Zealand .

Within the three cemeteries which adjoin Glasgow Crematorium are a number , 1000 in total , of Commonwealth War Graves .  Included in that number in the Western Necropolis are 2 small sections of pristinely maintained war graves in which rest the remains of soldiers  who perished during this bloody campaign.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission conducted a very moving Dawn Memorial Service to mark the time of the first landings at Gallipoli . Abide with me was sang , supported by the splendid vocals of the Rev Mark Johnstone, passages were read and the emotive Binyon lines read .The service was conducted by candlelight and accompanied by bird song just as dawn broke , poppy wreaths were laid , small white crosses placed as each man and womans name was read out , the Last Post played by a lone army veteran bugler as regimental colours was lowered . 2 minutes of silence affording a pause for reflection followed and then Reveille played.  A hugely emotional and dignified service of which we at Glasgow Crematorium were proud and honoured to help support by providing hospitality and a staffing resource and shall be pleased to do so next year.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old .

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them

Complimentary to the Obitus Live Streaming and the Maestro Music System, we are pleased to announce that Digital Tribute Screens have been installed in both Chapels.

This enables funeral services to be personalised in a very special and unique way, from a single photograph (free of charge) to basic or themed slideshows with or without music (for a small charge). Family supplied videos or photo tributes may also be displayed on the screens. Please discuss your wishes with your Funeral Director who will be pleased to explain the range of options available and liaise with Obitus on your behalf. 

Following on from our participation in Glasgow’s Doors Open Event in September 2023, I am delighted to advise that against city wide competition, we were awarded Outstanding New Participant.

My staff were delighted to see so many people who took time to attend tours, with some turning their hand artistically to craftwork. We would not have won such an award if it were not for the very complimentary comments and positive questionnaire returns submitted to the Glasgow Buildings Preservation Trust. As much as winning the award was special, it was all of you who attended who helped to make the day such a success.

Thank you all for your support.