The railings of a Castlemilk community garden became a sea of colour as residents gathered to remember friends and family lost.
Dozens of people took part in Castlemilk’s 22nd annual Flowers on the Railings event, held at the Lost Lives Memorial Garden on Castlemilk Drive.
The tribute invites residents to place flowers on the garden railings in memory of loved ones who have died.
Dozens of residents hung their flowers (Image: Robert Perry)
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Christine Devine MBE, one of the garden’s founders, said: “It’s a really nice event for the community.
“The grounds are looking great thanks to our volunteers.
“This is the twentieth-odd year and the event is still popular.”
The event was enjoyed by all ages (Image: Robert Perry)
The garden, which sits at the corner of Castlemilk Drive and Dougrie Road, offers a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance.
It has become a cherished space for those mourning loved ones lost to natural causes or other circumstances.
The service began at 1pm, with a humanist celebrant leading the event, followed by emotional poems read by residents and performances from the Soundsational Choir.
The Soundsational Choir (Image: Robert Perry)
The service was followed by the release of white doves and a lament played by a lone piper.
Iain Melvin of Piping Services Scotland played traditional Scottish airs as guests arrived and left the service.
The event is now in its 22nd year.
Organisers say it has become an important tradition for the area, bringing people together to remember, support each other and help care for the garden itself.
Four white doves were released after the service (Image: Robert Perry)
Messages and blooms left on the railings represent families across Castlemilk.
Pride and gratitude were clear among the crowd, many of whom said the garden means a great deal to the community.
The event is strongly supported by residents and local housing associations, including Thenue, Cassiltoun and Ardenglen.
Dozens of residents hung their flowers (Image: Robert Perry)
Not only do flowers offer comfort to mourners, but they also help keep the memorial space alive.
Trays of cakes and biscuits decorated with the Lost Lives design were shared among guests by local baker Cakes and Bakes by Kristen.
Cakes and Bakes by Kristen supplied treats (Image: NQ)
Stacey Molloy from MJ’s Cherished Occasions, the florist supplying flowers for the event, said: “The reaction from everyone today has been really nice.
“It’s been really emotional too.
“I’ve personally put some flowers on the railing for some people, and I’ve ended up in tears.”
Dozens of residents hung their flowers (Image: Robert Perry)
The garden serves as a permanent reminder of those who are no longer here.
For many, Flowers on the Railings is a vital opportunity to gather each year, reflect, and let the memory of a loved one live on.
Messages pinned to the railings tell stories of loss and fond memories, with every bouquet taking on special meaning for the families who leave them.
Organisers also highlight the practical impact of the event.
Dozens of residents hung their flowers (Image: Robert Perry)
One of the long-serving organisers, Maureen Cope MBE said: “As always, this is an important community event which reflects how Castlemilk remember lost loved ones.
“While there is understandable sorrow, the focus is on remembrance and appreciation for lives that have been well lived, including the lives of young people and babies who died far too soon.”
A commission of proceeds from floral sales helps support the upkeep of the garden.
It’s just one of many ways in which the event supports the wider needs of the community while helping individuals cope with personal loss.
Iain Melvin playing the pipes (Image: Robert Perry)
For some families, it was their first time attending.
For others, it is an annual tradition stretching back years.
All said they felt the strength of community and the shared sense of loss and remembrance that defines the event.
The Lost Lives Memorial Garden was created more than 20 years ago through the efforts of residents and the support of local housing associations.
Since then, it has grown into a community landmark.
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Dozens of residents hung their flowers (Image: Robert Perry)
A spokesperson for Thenue Housing said: “We recognise the importance to Castlemilk of this occasion to remember, reflect and celebrate deeply valued lives.
“Like other housing providers across Castlemilk, we have grown deep roots in the community over many years and feel privileged to be invited to take part in such a worthwhile and essential act of remembrance.”
Flowers on the Railings has ensured that each year, the people of Castlemilk come together not only to mourn but to celebrate the lives of those they’ve lost, surrounded by support and kindness.
The event continues to offer solace and togetherness in a time of grief, showing that no one in the community is ever forgotten.
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