Motherwell FC and The Well Society officially opened the club’s memorial garden after months of hard work by volunteers and the assistance of local businesses.

Nestling in the shadow of Fir Park, the garden will provide a quiet space for reflection and an area for Well fans to remember loved ones.

Fans also have the option to inter ashes and hold short services to mark a loved one’s passing.

Work began in 2023 to transform the previously named “reading garden”, after The Well Society were contacted by a relative of a Well fan whose ashes were scattered there. She asked that some attention be given to the garden, which had become overgrown.

Thanks to a grant from North Lanarkshire Council’s RecoverNL fund, and support from local building and gardening suppliers, the garden has bloomed from an untidy scrap of land to a well-defined and restful memorial garden of which Motherwell fans can be rightly proud.

Sally Hall, The Well Society Development Manager, said: “Football provides so many memorable moments, often in the company of family and friends. When they’ve passed it’s nice to remember the good times, and we’re are proud to be able to restore this space so fans can do just that.

“We are indebted not only to NLC, local businesses and the ground staff here at the club, but to a large number of Well Society members who gave up their time to help.

“Special mention must go to Jim Wright and John Lowry for their time, advice and building expertise and to Tom, John and Billy from Carluke Men’s Shed, who were also integral to the project.”

Chief Executive of Motherwell FC, Brian Caldwell, added: “We know how much the club means to our fans. This combined effort ensures we can provide our community with a space where they can feel connected to the club and to their loved ones.

“It has been great to see so many people work together to deliver the project and the creation of what is now a fitting Memorial Garden for our local community.

Provost Kenneth Duffy cut the ribbon to officially open the memorial garden. The club are planning a re-dedication event for families next spring when the garden will be in full bloom.

Provost Duffy continued: “It is wonderful to see the memorial garden at Fir Park revitalised using the RecoverNL grant and for it to become a peaceful community space where people can spend time for remembrance and reflection.

“The club is truly a part of the local community and this is a meaningful way of connecting people to their loved ones, the club and their community.”

Anyone whose loved one’s ashes are scattered at Fir Park should get in touch: [email protected]. Please see the club website for details on funerals and remembrance services.

As well as NLC and The Well Society, support was received from Thornbridge Timber, Origin Amenity Solutions, JW Grant, Paterson’s Memorials, Avia Signs and Rosebank Garden Centre.