Where once mourners visiting a north-east cemetery passed through unsightly chicken wire fencing, a stunning transformation has taken its place.
An imposing new entrance has been created by the Friends of Turriff Cemetery, far more in keeping with the location.
They hope the improvements to the cemetery environment will make a big difference to mourners and early indications are that locals are impressed with the results.
Work to improve the state of the graveyard was started by former Press and Journal farming editor Joe Watson and then taken-on by his brother Fraser following his death in 2014.
Mr Watson said the transformation of the site’s main gate has made it “respectful”.
He said: “When we first started we wanted to get rid of the chicken wire fire fence and create as more imposing entrance.
“Supporters donated us the red stone that has been used and with the money we raised by selling cut timber for fire wood we had enough to buy the red granite sign.
“Local builder Brian McAllister volunteered to do the building work for free and he has made a great job.
“It has definitely made it into a more respectful entrance. The people of Turriff are very happy with it.”
With the cemetery project nearing completion, Mr Watson said the team would now move on to their next project.
That will involve turning a former putting green into a memorial garden, with Aberdeenshire Council having already backed it with £5,000 of funding.
Mr Watson said they are now focused on implementing those changes and that his late brother would be “proud” of the work being undertaken.
He said: “We now move onto the memorial garden project but we will continue to work hard to keep the cemetery tidy and looking good.
“Joe would be very proud of the achievements of the Friends of Turriff Cemetery group.
“It is exactly the kind of thing that he would’ve had in his head.”
Turriff councillor Iain Taylor said: “They have done an amazing job and they should be commended.”
