Hundreds of people have offered their views on an ambitious project to create a memorial garden at a north-east cemetery.
The Friends of Turriff Cemetery group has entered the final week of a massive consultation exercise which hopes to generate support for transforming land near the town’s graveyard into a place for families to reflect on the lives of lost loved ones.
A public event was held on Monday night in the town and now residents have just days left to offer their own opinions as part of an online survey.
A spokesman for the group – which was formed after the death of Press and Journal farming editor Joe Watson who had spearheaded efforts for a more respectable cemetery – said they wanted as many people as possible to get involved.
“We need to have this public consultation in case any concerns come up,” Mr Watson’s brother Fraser said.
“But the idea is to create a space for all – both disabled and able-bodied. We could even have groups come to the area, such as schools, to learn about the different plants or bees, for example.
“We want it to be respectful and peaceful for the cemetery.”
The survey, which has been live for two weeks, closes on Thursday.
Mr Watson added: “We don’t know the results yet, but we’ve been well supported by the community so far. And if everything goes well with this, we can start approaching local businesses for help to get building.”
The scheme has been designed by Insch firm Annie Kenyon Architects, which has said its proposals will “create a welcoming space for contemplation, pause and reflection”.
The land the group hopes to convert had formerly been used as a putting green.
