Council To Consult On Management Rules For Burial Grounds And Inverness Crematorium

25th November 2020

The Highland Council is to consult on draft management rules for its 268 burial grounds across the region and crematorium located at Kilvean in Inverness.

The Council has a statutory duty to manage burials, oversee memorial safety and cremations for around 1500 burials and 1200 cremations each year.

To ensure consistent service delivery across the Council area, Members of the Council's Communities and Place Committee have agreed an updated Burial and Cremation Policy and the public will now be consulted on draft management rules.

Cllr Allan Henderson, Chair of the Council's Communities and Place Committee said: "Members are acutely aware of the potential sensitivities involved in communicating with the public on the management of burials and cremations - particularly at this difficult time during a pandemic.

"The Council, however, has a statutory duty to consult with the public on any changes to the management rules and I would urge anyone with an interest to take part and have their say."

The Highland Council will promote the public consultation in due course and the results of the consultation will be presented to the next meeting of the Council's Communities and Place Committee in February 2021 for Members’ consideration.

Cllr Henderson added: "It is important to say that anyone who has potential concerns about funeral poverty (where the price of a funeral is beyond the ability to pay) can seek assistance from the Council’s Welfare Team who already provide advice on help with funeral costs and help with related benefits."