After a cholera epidemic in 1832 strained Edinburgh's already overfilled cemeteries, the Metropolitan Cemetery Association was set up in 1844 - as a profit-making enterprise - intent on building new, picturesque “garden cemeteries” with catacombs. Dalry Necropolis was built in 1846 on land purchased from the Walker family of Dalry House. It was designed by David Cousin (1809 - 1878), who also designed Warriston (1842), Dean (1845), Rosebank (1846), and Newington Cemetery (1846). After falling into disrepair, it was acquired by The City of Edinburgh Council via compulsory purchase order in 1987. (from dalrycemetery.co.uk)