Scots protest building of a Muslim graveyard on a green belt site

Reported moves to build a Muslim graveyard on a 31-acre green belt site on the outskirts of the picturesque Scottish village of Carmunnock have been met with protests.

Edinburgh, Aug.22 : Reported moves to build a Muslim graveyard on a 31-acre green belt site on the outskirts of the picturesque Scottish village of Carmunnock have been met with protests.

The conservation village is a maze of leafy lanes and whitewashed cottages, with some buildings dating back to the 17th century, and has protected status.

The Glasgow Central Mosque has proposed the building of a graveyard, as it is running out of space in its cemetery at Cathcart, reports The Scotsman.

The application was first made six years ago, and it is hoped the cemetery may finally open in 12 to 18 months.

The villagers in Carmunnock, however, argue that the erosion of the green belt would lead to the decline of the village.

Tracy Crawford, a member of the Carmunnock Community Council, which is opposing the development, said the village would cease to exist if the graveyard came up.

"We have consistently opposed developments in the past. This is not a matter of racism, it is about a green belt being broken," she was quoted, as saying.

Bashir Maan, the president of Glasgow Central Mosque, said: "The picturesque scenes will not be affected. The villagers have nothing to worry about. We will keep it as clean and beautiful as possible."

ANI