Lifestyle Blogger

Friday, August 2

Sighthill Cemetery in Glasgow, Scotland

Oh my gosh, imagine this! So, I was walking around Sighthill Cemetery, all by myself, right? And suddenly, I see this guy with his whole face covered, wearing a full face mask, and he's riding a bicycle, right towards me. At first, I was like, "Wait a minute, I'm the only one here! What if he tries to snatch my phone?" I started thinking," Okay, maybe I should put my phone inside my bag and get ready to run." But then I thought," No, just walk; you’re fine." And guess what? I was totally fine!

I visited Sighthill Cemetery on a Sunday evening because the sun was still shining bright and beautiful. I really wanted to take photos of the cemetery, read about it, and share all this info with you guys on the blog. And I'm so glad I finally did it after passing by here like 100 times already. It was such an adventure!



So what is the Sighthill cemetery in Glasgow about?

Sighthill Cemetery is a super old cemetery right in the middle of Glasgow. It’s been around since 1840; can you believe that? It remains active, indicating that people continue to use it for various purposes. There's even a working crematorium there. It’s located in the Sighthill neighborhood, right on the A803 Springburn Road. It’s kind of between Cowlairs Park and Petershill Park, just north of the city center. And to the north, it’s bordered by Keppochhill Road.

The gates are totally gorgeous and were designed by John Stephen of Scott, Stephen & Gale back in 1839. They have this super fancy Greek style. The cemetery itself opened in 1840, and the very first burial happened on April 24th of that year.


The cemetery has some pretty famous people buried there too! There's Andrew White, John Baird, and Andrew Hardie, who were all involved in the "Radical Rising" of 1820. They were executed for treason, which is so intense. Originally, they were buried in paupers' graves in Stirling, but in 1847, their remains were brought back to Glasgow and reburied at Sighthill. Andrew White was actually one of the nineteen people whose death sentences were commuted. He was sent to Australia but came back to Scotland years later and passed away in Glasgow Royal Infirmary in 1872.

And there’s also Duncan Brown, a really talented amateur photographer who lived from 1819 to 1897. His work gives us a peek into what life was like in Glasgow from the 1850s to the 1890s. Isn’t that just fascinating?



Notable burials: 
George A. Walker Arnott (1799–1868), botanist
Andrew Bonar (1810–1892), Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland
Thomas Barclay (1792–1873), Principal of Glasgow University
James Hedderwick (1814–1897), newspaper editor
Robert Jamieson (1802–1880), Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
John Mitchell (1786–1881) was a Glasgow merchant and ship owner, known as "the Father of the Glasgow Town Council".
John Mossman (1817–1890), sculptor
William Mossman (1793–1851), sculptor
James Seaton Reid (1798–1851), Irish-born academic
Sarah West (1790–1876), actress
William Rae Wilson (1817–1893), social reformer

Commonwealth Graves
Identified casualties from first & second world war.
Total identified casualties: 116

Address: Springburn Rd, Glasgow, G21 1SE
Hours: Open 24 hours

These photos were taken on July 28, 2024. I started my tour of the cemetery at 5:40 PM on that Sunday.










Wishing you all a happy new month.
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48 comments

  1. Lindas fotos. Te mando un beso.

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  2. An interesting, slightly morbid walk. Thank you very much, it is fascinating to see these old graves. It is nice that the cemetery remains.

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    1. Thank you for your comment! I’m glad you found the walk through Sighthill Cemetery fascinating. It really is remarkable to see how history is preserved in such an evocative setting. The fact that the cemetery remains active adds another layer of depth to its historical significance. If you have any favorite spots or interesting finds from your visit, I’d love to hear about them!

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  3. I love visiting old cemeteries and this one looks fascinating! Though it's a little sad that some of the grave markers are toppled over, but I suppose all things start to fall with time.

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    1. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Old cemeteries definitely have a unique charm and a sense of timelessness. It’s true that the passage of time can take its toll on grave markers, but I think that only adds to the character and historical depth of the place. If you visit Sighthill Cemetery, you'll likely find that even the weathered stones tell their own stories.

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  4. Really loving these pics, I think that Cemetery is a very fashinating, quiet and interesting place to visit

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    1. Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. Sighthill Cemetery does have a unique and serene atmosphere that makes it a compelling place to explore.

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  5. Interesting obelisks they do not make them like that anymore, methinks. Who knows what kind of stories each of those graves hides. I once visited a grave of one our rich eccentrics from the 19th century who embalmed his corpse, laid it under the glass floor of his own chapel-grave and you can still see him peaking through it at the visitors.

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    1. You’re absolutely right about the obelisks—they truly reflect the craftsmanship of the past. Each grave does indeed hold its own unique stories and history. Your anecdote about the eccentric from the 19th century is both intriguing and a bit eerie! It’s fascinating how different cultures and individuals have approached memorials and funerary practices over the years.

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  6. The older I get, the more I find cemeteries fascinating. There's so much history to be found in them. I remember when I was a primary school kid, I didn't really understand why the school took us on walks around the historical cemetery, but now I understand their educational value.
    It's great that this historical Glasgow cemetery is still being used. It means it will be preserved! The photography you took were wonderful.

    P.S. It's great to hear you were unharmed- but why do you think the person on a bike was wearing a full face mask? Do you think it's perhaps protection from the weather or the sun? I saw some people wearing UV protective face masks recently.

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    1. It’s fascinating how our perspective on places like cemeteries changes over time. They really are rich with history and stories. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos!
      Thanks for your thoughtful comment!

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  7. I won't lie - I'm not a fan of graveyards. I do realise some people find peacefulness in them, take solace in the fact that their loved ones are burried there, however, in my eyes cemeteries are just places full of sorrow. They always bring out in me some kind of discomfort, anxiety and sadness. So much tragedy in such a small place, but I'm glad you enjoyed your walk.

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    1. I understand where you’re coming from; cemeteries can evoke a range of emotions. It’s completely valid to feel discomfort and sadness, as they are places of reflection and remembrance. I’m glad you could appreciate the post from a distance. Thanks for sharing your perspective.

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    2. I enjoy your writing style, you have a way with words that I appreciate :)

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  8. I do love exploring old cemeteries, so I loved tagging with you.
    The masked guy on a bike episode sent shivers down my spine. I applaud you for staying calm and collected! xxx

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    1. I’m glad you enjoyed exploring the cemetery with me! The masked cyclist definitely added an unexpected twist—thanks for your kind words about staying calm. 😊 xxx

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  9. Very interesting information and photos! Kisses
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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the lovely comments and for following the blog! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos and information. I’ll definitely check out your site—thanks for the support! 🌸

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  10. Hi Melody!
    I your post read with really great interest and I looked at the photos.
    I can see from the photos that this Cemetery has a long history. I think, that cemeteries are special places of remembrance and our history. In my city there are three cemeteries: parish, Jewish and war cemeteries. There are also memorials to German crimes from World War 2.
    Melody, I wish you a good and happy weekend!

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    1. I’m glad you found the post and photos interesting. Cemeteries indeed hold significant historical and personal meaning. Your city’s variety of cemeteries and memorials sounds like a powerful way to remember and honor history. Wishing you a wonderful and happy weekend as well!

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  11. I enjoy wandering around a cemetery looking at the headstones, great photos

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    1. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos! Wandering through cemeteries can be such a reflective experience. Thanks for your kind words!

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  12. Place with soul and history... Thank you for this virtual journey.

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    1. You're welcome! I’m glad you felt the soul and history of the place through the photos. Thank you for joining the virtual journey!

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  13. Wow, what a unique place to visit. There is so much history there! I love the gates and the fact that you highlighted the designer and some of the notable burials. You chose a beautiful day to visit. The grass was so green, the sky so blue, and the perfect smattering of clouds. What a picturesque scene!

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    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed the details and the photos! The setting was indeed perfect for capturing the beauty and history of the place. Thanks for appreciating the highlights and the day’s picturesque scene!

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  14. Beautiful old cemetery! It looks similar in age to Brompton or Hampstead or some of the other Victorian cemeteries in London. That guy with the face mask would have freaked me out too! Why would someone be riding around masked on a warm summer day unless they were up to no good?

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    1. The comparison to those historic London cemeteries is spot-on! As for the masked rider, it definitely added an eerie element to the visit. Sometimes people wear masks for various reasons, but it’s understandable that it seemed suspicious. Thanks for your thoughts!

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  15. Calm, peaceful, beautiful. I was listening to this while watching the photoes and it was a fantastic experience.
    https://oddzwiekupocisze.blogspot.com/2024/08/vizual-eyez-to-skies.html

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    1. That sounds like a wonderful combination! I’m so glad the photos and music created such a fantastic experience for you. Thanks for sharing!

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  16. Hi Melody, thanks for your comment on my blog. Your photos of the cemetery are beautiful, it looks like a serene resting place full of history. You give me the idea to visit a cemetery and take a bouquet to lay on someone's grave, someone unknown to me.

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    1. I’m thrilled you liked the photos and found them inspiring. Visiting a cemetery and honoring someone unknown is a thoughtful gesture. I hope your experience is as meaningful as it sounds.

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  17. Hello Melody :)bout
    Women do tend to be scared if we are alone and there is a man approaching, due to reading about rapists and knife attacks, and it's a shame it has come to this, as most men are harmless, but on the other hand, women have a built in sense of intuition and can usually feel if they are in danger and should act on it intermediately..As it happens, I went to a cemetery yesterday, and there were colourful flowers of every description at every grave, and it was a
    pleasure to see that everywhere was well tended. Very old cemeteries are interesting from a historic point of view, but I personally find them quite depressing places, but I enjoyed looking at your photos, and learning about this ancient last resting place in Scotland.
    All the best
    Sonjia.

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    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It’s unfortunate that safety concerns affect how we feel in certain situations. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos of the cemetery—it’s heartening to see such care given to these historic sites. Best wishes to you!

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  18. wow so incredible place

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    1. Absolutely, it really is an incredible place! Glad you think so too. 😊

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  19. Thanks for dropping by my friend and comment
    I really enjoyed explaining Germany and this cemetery particularly through your wonderful photos!
    What a lovely place and uniquely formed graves
    Thanks for the famous burial links
    Best wishes

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    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! It was a pleasure to share about the cemetery. The unique graves really are fascinating.

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  20. So good to hear that you were totally fine! Such beautiful pictures, and what a beautiful view they have! Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer beauty!

    xoxo, Midori

    https://www.midorilinea.com/blogs/midori-linea/panda-village-koala-world

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    1. Thanks, Midori! I’m glad you liked the pictures. Enjoy the rest of your summer too! 🌞

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  21. Love your story! I wish I could have joined you on your walk! I love walking cemeteries to see what there is in them. The pictures are wonderful. I like your blog as well! I posted a comment on mine with your link. :-)

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  22. Belas fotos! Para muitas pessoas é um tabu, mas cemitérios podem nos contar histórias interessantes. Aqui onde moro há um cemitério cujas lápides mais antigas são da década de 1890, com textos em tábuas de madeira. Sempre penso que cemitérios podem nos dar boas aulas de História, inclusive.
    Gostei muito do texto, e do seu blog em geral, narrando tantas coisas interessantes.
    Abraços e bom final de semana!

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  23. Your photos of Sighthill Cemetery are stunning!
    The historical details about the famous figures buried there and the cemetery's history are fascinating.

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  24. For real, its very interesting!

    Kisses

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  25. Very good photos. As I go through a cemetery I look for the evidence of persons who are awaiting the resurrection of the just at the coming of the Lord Jesus. Sadly they're more prevalent in older cemeteries. I've just spent three happy days in Glasgow considering (among many things!) the titles Christ Jesus and Jesus Christ. Is Glasgow where you normally reside?

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  26. Your photos are excellent and Sighthill Cemetery looks like a very interesting cemetery. I love cemeteries, a couple of years ago I carried out wildlife surveys of all the cemeteries in Edinburgh that are managed by the city council. It's amazing what wildlife can be found in burial grounds!

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  27. Hi!
    The photos of Sighthill Cemetery beautifully capture the peaceful and historic atmosphere of the place. It’s fascinating to see how such sites carry so much history and stories. Thanks for sharing this glimpse into Glasgow's heritage!
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Thank you for sharing your opinion.

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