A bench has been installed at a Mearns graveyard in memory of a respected MSP.
Alex Johnstone served as an MSP for the area for 17 years until his death in 2016.
Now his widow, Linda, has bought a memorial bench made out of recyclables for Glenbervie Cemetery.
She hopes it will bring comfort to anyone visiting the graveyard, as it is the first bench to be installed there.
Mrs Johnstone, who decided to buy the bench instead of sending Christmas cards, said: “It struck me after a few years of visiting Alex that there were no benches as the graveyard whatsoever.
“It struck my daughter and I as unusual.
“So I got in touch with Aberdeenshire Council and had a couple of meetings to discuss the idea.
“My hope is that it would be useful for people attending burials who have difficult standing, or be beneficial for people who would just like a moment to sit in contemplation.”
The bench was made in the UK from entirely recycled materials, which Mrs Johnstone believes her husband would have approved of.
She thanked Aberdeenshire Council for their help, and said: “I am delighted the bench is now in place.
“I hope visitors to the church and cemetery will enjoy it.”
North East MSP Mr Johnstone was 38 when he was first elected to Holyrood in 1999.
He was the first convener of rural development committee, and used his experience as a self-employed dairy and arable farmer to guide the agenda.
Born-and-bred in Stonehaven, he was also a tireless campaigner on knife crime – seeking to boost education on the dangers of carrying a blade.
He also campaigned for greater recognition for King Macbeth, and also campaigned to ensure Unesco recognition for Arbroath Abbey.
Outside of politics, Mr Johnstone was a dedicated family man, with two children and six grandchildren.
His wife has raised thousands of pounds for charity since his death, notably £5,000 to raise awareness of bowel cancer in 2017.
