By VIVIENNE NICOLL

A VOLUNTEER who has helped transform a run-down cemetery into an educational, historic and ecological hotspot has been named Clean Up Scotland Hero of the Month.

Colin Mackie who lives in Bridgeton was honoured for his commitment to transform the Southern Necropolis.

A leading member of Friends of Southern Necropolis and the Southern Necropolis Action Group, Colin and his wife Elsie have worked with a team of volunteers to transform the cemetery.

Last year the action group won the best clean-up campaign award in the Evening Times Streets Ahead competition.

Colin, who is also a city council neighbourhood improvement volunteer, has been involved in a number of activities including regular litter picks and community clean ups at the Southern Necropolis making it a cleaner, safer and welcoming place to visit.

He also runs an educational project with local schools so they can learn about the heritage of the cemetery.

Colin said: “I have been passionate about the history and heritage of the Southern Necropolis for nearly 30 years and also value the importance of caring for the environment throughout the cemetery.

“We have an onsite heritage trail which continues to attract an increase in visitors and as such, it is even more important to maintain a level of cleanliness around the pathways and rows of headstones.

“Recently we have been promoting our resurrecting history project and involving local primary schools by sharing the history and heritage of the cemetery, raising the children’s awareness of valuing and respecting the environment of the Southern Necropolis.”

Yasuf Faisal, senior neighbourhood involvement and enforcement office at Community Safety Glasgow nominated Colin for the award.

He said: “Colin Mackie has been inspirational and he has shown ongoing dedication in keeping Glasgow Southern Necropolis Cemetery clean and free from litter.

“The Southern Necropolis action group carries out a regular clean up every Sunday and with this kind of support the neighbourhood improvement volunteers are continuing to make Glasgow an even better place to live, work and play.”

Heather McLaughlin, community projects officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said Colin’s commitment has helped lead the group to deliver a tremendous transformation of a wonderful outdoor space.

She added: “I would like to commend both Colin and all of the local volunteers for their success in improving this outdoor space for local residents and delivering significant local environmental improvements”