Project launched to improve Edinburgh's New Calton Burial Ground

A project to increase awareness of Edinburgh's historic New Calton Burial Ground has been announced by Edinburgh World Heritage. For all the latest history and heritage news and opinion, read History Scotland magazine.

The community-led initiative, which will be headed by Edinburgh World Heritage, hopes to increase public engagement with this area of Edinburgh, promoting and looking after the burial ground, improving an existing pedestrian route linking Calton Hill with the Canongate, and adding new planting and interpretation. Project workers also hope to work with Edinburgh City Council to bring festive lighting to the area, with the aim of making it more appealing to locals and visitors alike.

A HISTORY OF NEW CALTON

Established in 1817, New Calton Burial Ground is sited in central Edinburgh, overlooking Holyrood Park and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. There are approximately 1,000 tombs and monuments in the burial ground, as well as a distinctive watchtower, built to deter bodysnatchers. Among those buried here are architect David Bryce, poet William Knox, civil engineer Robert Stevenson and scientist Alexander Bryson.

For more on the work of Edinburgh World Heritage, visit the website.



(Image copyright Stephen C Dickinson)