John Millar (72) from Scotstoun has been advised in writing that if he fails to remove the flowers within 21 days East Dunbartonshire Council will take the matter into its own hands and remove them for him.

The flowers have been there since 2001, when his wife Mary was buried, and at that time they complied with cemetery rules.

It was not until 2004 that a new rule came into force which banned the placing of any objects on the grass in front of headstones.

He was asked two years ago to remove them and at that time he fought off the request with the help of Milngavie MSP Des McNulty.
John and his daughter Laura take comfort from visiting the grave regularly to put fresh flowers in the pot.

On the cemetery rules, John said: "I think this is petty in the extreme. There is no room to put flowers anywhere else apart from the grass because the gangway for the gravestones is so narrow.

"I think it would be a good idea to make it wider so that people like me who have this problem can place flowers in a prominent position.

"I have been told I could put them at the side of the headstone but that's just not the same.

"It makes me really angry that I am being denied a basic human right to place flowers at the grave of a loved one. This is totally unreasonable and very distressing.

"Surely it is legally and morally wrong for EDC to inflict this rule upon people."

Mr Millar offered to regularly cut the grass around the flowers to keep the area tidy but that was rejected by the council.

Des McNulty said: "Relatives need to be treated with respect. I can understand if the authority doesn't want ornate memorials in graveyards which are out of keeping with other graves but surely people should be allowed to put flowers in front of loved ones graves."

A spokesperson for East Dunbartonshire Council said: "The council's cemetery management rules were agreed by council in 2004 following public consultation. The rules provide guidance on what memorials are permitted at graves and where these can be positioned.

"The cemetery rules ensure that the cemeteries can be effectively maintained with due consideration for the health and safety of the public and cemetery maintenance staff."

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