A DEAL has been struck to end a long-running row over a site for a Muslim cemetery in Glasgow, it was revealed today.

Local mosques have accepted an offer from Glasgow City Council for a 31-acre plot close to Linn Cemetery, at Mid Netherton Farm.

The move ends a long campaign by residents of nearby Carmunnock who were furious a 30-acre site in their village had been earmarked for the new cemetery.

They said it would mean a loss of green space and effectively end the area's village status.

Campaigners even drove a tractor to the City Chambers and handed in a 3000-name petition in a protest.

But the Muslim community argued space at their current site in Cathcart Cemetery was running out and that they needed somewhere else to bury loved ones.

Today the city council confirmed the alternative site, on farmland near Linn Park in the South Side, will house the new cemetery.

A spokesman said: "The council offered a 31-acre site adjacent to Linn Park cemetery, and this has been accepted."

Bashir Maan, convener of the Muslim Council for Scotland, is hopeful the cemetery will be ready within months.

He said: "The Muslim community is looking forward to moving forward and having the cemetery available as soon as possible."

Rizwan Mohammed, who is on the Muslim committee for funerals, said: "We are employing some good architects and there will be a consultation process."

Glasgow's MSP Bashir Ahmad said: "I am delighted to hear that the Muslim community is finally on its way to receiving new land for a Muslim cemetery.

"Glasgow's Mosques must be commended for their dealings in securing this site.

"The Mosques pulling together and working closely with the council means that the Muslim community will have a cemetery appropriate for generations to come."