Scotland's cemeteries are spurning material glories in favour of spiritual reticence, writes .
Almost 50 English graveyards have been nominated for the first ever Cemetery of the Year Award. Yet only one Scots burial place - Colmonell cemetery in South Ayrshire - has come forward.
The Confederation of Burial Authorities said it was amazed Scotland's legacy of necropolis art wasn't more represented in the nominations.
Mr Jeremy Greaves, communications director for the Memorial Awareness Board, said: ''Scotland has some of the best kept and most beautiful cemeteries in the country and yet only one has entered so far.''
According to MAB, Britain does not do as well as other countries, such as France and Spain, in keeping resting places well maintained. The awards aim to put pressure on local authorities to maintain graveyards as an important part of the community.
''We're doing it to encourage a sense of pride and to get people thinking about death - it's being swept under the carpet,'' Mr Greaves said.
Colmonell opened in 1591 and some of its first inhabitants were the Snell family, lawyers to Charles II and respected educationalists.
Mr Martin Cole, manager of cemeteries and crematorium in South Ayrshire, was surprised to learn Colmonell was the only Scottish entrant.
''When I accept the prize, which we will undoubtedly win, I will raise the Scottish flag,'' he said.
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