Construction and Management Consultants, Turner & Townsend have been appointed by Stirling Council to project manage the restoration of Stirling's Old Town Cemeteries, a unique piece of Scottish landscape dating back to the 16th Century.

The £1.7m project is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Stirling Council, Historic Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, and it is the council's aim that the planned restoration work should benefit the local community and visitors to the City of Stirling.

Stirling Council’s portfolio holder for the Environment, Jim Thomson said: "The site bridges both pre and post reformation periods in Scotland and, interestingly the gardens were not laid out solely as a burial ground but also as a pleasure garden for local people. It is important therefore, that we sympathetically restore the heritage elements of Stirling's Old Town Cemeteries."

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The works will include the restoration of the physical infrastructure of the cemetery to bring it back to the original style of the Victorian landscaped plan, restoration of stone and iron work and hard and soft landscaping. The council also plan to develop an interpretation project including a documentary on the restoration as well as some short historic films. Community projects are also planned including those people involved in family history; genealogy and guided walks, bringing the unique features of the site back to life. Commencing in August 2008, the works are expected to be completed within 11 months.

Barbara Irwin, Senior Project Manager commented: "Having been involved in the successful applications for funding, Turner & Townsend is delighted to continue our involvement as Project Managers on a project that is steeped in Scotland’s rich and colourful history."

(GK/JM)