A burnt-out car has been discovered at Glasgow's Western Necropolis, driven into a headstone and set alight, sparking outrage among mourners and local officials. The vehicle was found just off Tresta Road in the north of the city, with images showing the charred remains resting atop grave plots, debris and shattered glass scattered across the ground. The incident is believed to have occurred approximately two weeks ago, with the car remaining at the site since then.
Community Reaction
Mourners have expressed shock and distress at the discovery, describing the scene as deeply upsetting in a place of remembrance. One local resident stated: “No respect for hard working people and no respect for the dead as driven into a headstone and burnt causing damage to a family gravestone. Zero respect.” Another added: “I seen this last week, shame on them. Beggars belief. Disgusting.”
A woman who spotted the vehicle while visiting her mother's grave condemned those responsible: “Went up to my mammy’s grave… the amount of damage to all resting places is absolutely disgusting. Motorbike, e-bike and scooter tyre marks, damaged headstones. I’m not one for going up all the time, I find it hard, but this makes it a million times worse. Out of all the places, why a graveyard?”
Wider Concerns
Concerns have also been raised about broader issues at the cemetery, including reports of tyre marks from bikes and scooters across grave areas and ongoing damage to memorials. One visitor commented: “My family are up there, some for over 100 years. I dread going up in case the stone is down. This is a new low.”
Official Response
Glasgow City Council issued a statement condemning the act: “The lack of respect that has been shown for a place of mourning and remembrance is truly despicable. Someone somewhere in the local community knows exactly who is responsible for this shocking incident and we urge them to display a shred of decency by contacting the police with any information they may have.” The council added that they are liaising with police to ensure the vehicle is removed as soon as possible and are working to contact the owner of the damaged headstone to advise them of their options.
Police Scotland has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.
