Family's anger after grave tributes ruined

Popular Allyn Gilchrist (31) passed away a few weeks ago.

Hundreds of mourners turned out to his funeral and 18 floral tributes were left 
at his grave at Baldernock Cemetery.

But his family claims the council failed in its duty to handle the tributes with 
respect, leaving them crushed and broken.

Allyn’s heartbroken sister Ashley, who is a florist, said: “My family buried my brother on Saturday, July 16, at 
Baldernock Cemetery.

“It was a fantastic ceremony for a spectacular 
young man.

“My mum and I went to the cemetery the day after to gather our thoughts and admire all the floral tributes.

“We were devastated when we got there. Everything was crushed and damaged.

“More than 60 hours went into all 18 tributes, each one unique and personal to my brother. I ended up in tears.

“I am absolutely disgusted with this council. Everything was squashed into one little space, lying on top of each other.”

Ashley said she had been told the council would 
rearrange the floral tributes once the plot had been 
filled in.

She added: “My family had to pay more than £1,600 for our plot to be reopened on a Saturday.

“We couldn’t believe what had happened.

“This was completely 
disrespectful. More than £2,000 of tributes and my brother’s memory destroyed.”

Ashley complained through the council’s 
Facebook site.

The following day, the council posted: “Thank you for getting in touch at such a difficult time for you and your family.

“We were very sorry to read your comments – they have been passed on to the appropriate department and we will investigate.

“If you could privately message us with your contact details we will be in touch.

“In the meantime, please accept our condolences.”

This week, Grace Irvine, Director of Neighbourhood Services at East Dunbartonshire Council, told the Herald: “We are currently investigating the complaint.

“We have replied to Ms Gilchrist to advise her that we will get back to her as soon as we can to update her on the situation.”