New graveyard tsar to care for historic Edinburgh graveyards

A specially-appointed 'graveyard tsar' will be tasked with conserving and protecting Edinburgh's historic burial grounds, Edinburgh World Heritage has announced. The post holder, who will be appointed within the next few weeks, will be tasked with promoting graveyards such as Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Old and New Calton burial grounds and Canongate kirkyard.

The 'tsar' will also help to coordinate the work of various organisations which aims to preserve historic burial grounds, including heritage organisations, Edinburgh City Council and Edinburgh World Heritage. The new position will be funded by Edinburgh World Heritage, the World Monuments Fund and the Pilgrims Trust.

Adam Wilkinson, director of Edinburgh World Heritage, said: 'Edinburgh’s graveyards are one of the city’s great heritage assets, important not only for the many famous figures buried there, but also as green oases in the midst of the city. This unique post will enable us to properly co-ordinate efforts to conserve and promote them.'

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Leisure Convenor, said: 'We are fully committed to preserving Edinburgh’s heritage, including our beautiful and historic graveyards, and the appointment of a dedicated post-holder will help the city towards this.

'Council officers will work closely with the successful candidate, together with Edinburgh World Heritage and representatives from the burial grounds, to ensure that we make the most of this opportunity.'

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