The Long Road to Repairing Springbank Cemetery Gates

Residents and visitors to Springbank Cemetery have been left asking why the site remains partially fenced off years after the gates were first damaged. A response issued by Aberdeen City Council’s Corporate Landlord Team on 20 February helps explain the complex and protracted situation behind the scenes.

A Site Still in Limbo

Although the damaged gates were removed in October 2025, temporary Heras fencing remains in place—leaving the cemetery looking far from its intended standard. For a location of such sensitivity and heritage, the ongoing condition is understandably a source of frustration.

A Series of Setbacks

The Council has outlined several challenges that have contributed to the lengthy delay:

• Specialist shortages: Sourcing contractors with the expertise to repair historic gates has proved difficult.
• Wide-ranging quotes: Costs submitted by different suppliers have varied significantly, complicating progress.
• Industry disruption: One of the more competitive options, Ballentine’s Foundry, went into liquidation during the process.
• Insurance disputes: The insurer of the third party responsible for the damage has offered a settlement well below the cost of repair.

A Complicated Claims Process

Attempts to have the insurer manage the repairs directly were unsuccessful. The insurer declined to proceed due to a lack of suitable contractors on their approved list within the area.

This meant the Council had to revisit the process—identifying new specialists and seeking fresh quotations.

A Path Forward - Finally

There are now signs of progress. A new specialist contractor has been identified with a more acceptable cost, and discussions with the third-party insurer are ongoing to agree a final settlement.

Once agreement is reached, work can begin.

When Will Repairs Be Complete?

Based on the Council’s timeline provided on 20 February:

• 12–16 weeks from manufacture to installation once works are instructed
• Projected completion: around June to early July 2026, depending on how quickly costs are agreed and contractor availability

Balancing Speed with Quality

The Council acknowledges the frustration caused by the delays. However, it maintains that the extent of the damage requires careful handling to ensure the repaired gates meet appropriate standards for such an important site.

While the timescale has stretched far beyond what many would consider reasonable, there is now cautious hope that Springbank Cemetery will soon see its entrance properly restored.