VOLUNTEERS who are helping preserve a world-famous Glasgow cemetery are up for a national award.

The Friends of Glasgow Necropolis are in the running for a Scottish Heritage Angel award.

They have been shortlisted under the Investigating and Recording category for their on-going work to develop a digital archive and record, charting the graves, memorials and mausolea that are located within the 37-acre site.

The new awards scheme, funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, celebrates the work of voluntary groups across Scotland.

Ruth Johnston, chairman of the Friends of Glasgow Necropolis, said: “The Friends of Glasgow Necropolis are delighted that the work they have undertaken over the last 10 years has been recognised by this nomination.

“The committee are a group of 10 very dedicated people, all volunteers, who donate so much of their time to take tours, restore and record all elements of this cemetery which include 3500 monuments.”

The group is competing for the title against volunteers from the Joseph Thomson Group in Dumfries and Galloway, who have been shortlisted for the establishment of a heritage centre showcasing all aspects of local history and life, and the Dean of Guild Court Plans Project Volunteer Group in Fife for the creation of a searchable resource for Dunfermline’s rich built heritage.

The Scottish Heritage Angel Awards celebrate conservation work across a total of five categories, with projects the length and breadth of Scotland in the running for awards.

It includes volunteers behind Scotland’s firefighting heritage, a project capturing the history and culture of the Outer Hebrides and a unique biographical project charting the timeline of the 107 houses and their owners, past and present, in the village of Cairndow in Argyll.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs, said: “This shortlist of heritage volunteers and groups reveals the diverse and vibrant cultural heritage that is held within communities across the country, whilst demonstrating the enduring commitment and work that is carried out by them on variety of worthy projects helping to highlight and celebrate Scotland’s wider historic environment.”

The winners will be announced at the first Scottish Heritage Angel Awards ceremony at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, on September 28.