By Nancy Braid, Events Manager

A successful event at Glasgow Necropolis recently saw Merchants House members, family and friends enjoying the sunshine and the quietly steady pace of a guided walking tour led by Annette and Gary, whose knowledge of the history and architecture of the Necropolis is second to none.

The tour was designed to highlight some of the Merchants and their families who now reside in the Necropolis, as well as the good work they carried out for the city during their lifetimes. We also explored the story of the Necropolis itself, including the donation of land that helped create this magnificent interdenominational site.

Remembering Glasgow’s philanthropists

Among those we encountered were the three spinster sisters, Elizabeth, Jane and Margaret Buchanan, whose legacy became known as the Buchanan Bequest. Their generosity supported the parishes of Kilmarnock and Riccarton, while money was also donated to projects at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Boclair House in Bearsden. The latter was once a retreat for elderly men and is now an award-winning wedding venue.

We also paused at the monument to the Cheapside Street and Kilbirnie Street fires, known as the Glasgow Fire Memorial, to honour the men who lost their lives in the devastating fires of March 1960 and August 1972. A service of remembrance had taken place just a few days before our visit, making this stop particularly poignant.

Another fascinating story was that of Isabella Ure Elder, who quietly took over the running of her late husband’s shipbuilding business following his death, at a time when it was highly unusual for a woman to take such a prominent role in business.

Isabella later founded Queen Margaret College, the first and only college in Scotland to offer women higher education and training comparable to that available at universities, particularly in the Arts and Sciences. However, women attending the college could not yet be awarded degrees.

A medical school was established within the college in 1890 and was named the Elder School of Medicine in recognition of Mrs Elder’s contribution. Her commitment to the welfare of the people of Govan was also evident in her purchase of 37 acres of land for a public park. Still known today as Elder Park, it remains one of the many lasting legacies she left behind.

Glasgow Fire Memorial

Isabella Ure Elder

A fitting end to our tour

One of our final stops was the Alexander MacKenzie monument. Made from cast iron and shaped like a Gothic tower, the monument has been beautifully restored and was only recently returned to its lair.

The monument was produced by George Smith & Co’s Sun Foundry in Townhead, in the north of Glasgow. MacKenzie had co-founded the foundry with George Smith and other former employees of Walter Macfarlane’s Possilpark-based Saracen Foundry in 1858.

Our day concluded by hearing about the next project being undertaken by the Friends of Glasgow Necropolis, who are currently raising funds to restore the Monteath Mausoleum.

It was a fascinating afternoon filled with stories of Glasgow’s past, the people who helped shape the city, and the lasting legacies they left behind.

One of our members brought the afternoon to a lovely close by giving a vote of thanks to Gary and Annette for a wonderful and informative tour.

Join the Merchants House

Events like this are just one of the benefits of being part of the Merchants House community. Our members have the opportunity to enjoy a programme of talks, tours, social events and other activities throughout the year, while also supporting the work of the Merchants House.

Interested in joining us? Find out more