A cemetery which has fallen into disrepair could be returned to its former glory thanks to a Dundee pensioner.
Retired builder Rick Diamond, 71, said he was “saddened” to see Roodyards Cemetery the burial ground of the Guthries of Craigie allowed to deteriorate.
He said: “The cemetery is of significant historical importance, but it has been allowed to fall into a poor state of repair.
“There are weeds and bushes growing out of the Guthrie family mausoleum in the cemetery.
“The stonework on the mausoleum is crumbling away and generally the whole place looks a bit sad.
“I contacted the offices of my local MSP, Shona Robison, to ask if she could look into the matter.”
Ms Robison has now assured Mr Diamond plans are in hand to improve the cemetery.
It was after reading a book about the Guthries that Rick realised the importance of the family.
He said: “The Guthries were the barons of Craigie in Dundee. They were an important merchant family at one time, dealing in linen and canvas shipped from Dundee to London. In due course they ventured further afield trading with India, the West Indies, Hong Kong, Mauritius and Central America.”
The family became the largest importers of coffee in the country by the end of the century and were also merchant bankers, financing overseas commodity dealing.
The Guthries became prominent in London society, with one becoming a director of the Bank of England. Another became a prominent Liberal MP.
Ms Robison said Dundee City Council has now inspected the site and said work will be carried out to improve it.