Highland Council to invest millions to secure more than 20 burial sites in a move will see almost all areas of the region receive new or expanded sites
Highland Council is to invest just under £6 million in securing new burial sites across the region offsetting what just a few years ago was mounting up to be a worrying lack of lairs where people to lay their loved ones to rest.
Two years ago, the council confirmed that in the capital programme that its bereavement services budget would get £2.9 million for identified projects in 2024/25 and another £3 million between 2025 and 2029.
With existing burial grounds beginning to become fully occupied without “extensions or new sites are not provided there is a risk that the council will be unable to provide burials in some locations to meet the expectations and preferences of communities”.
For example Dores burial ground, which is currently closed to new burials, is expected to receive work when a new road is completed early this year with it opening for new burials early next year.
Mount Vernon burial ground in Thurso is estimated to have reached its capacity by April 2026 but a new land purchase for extension is near completion which is expected to come into play the month before.
In Easter Ross, Alness burial ground is estimated to be full by April 2027 but ongoing work to identify a new appropriate site is hoped will deliver results again the month before the April estimate.
At Tore burial ground on the Black Isle options for additional capacity on the existing site are being reviewed while land investigation is underway for an extension.
Options for additional capacity on the existing Petty-Tornagrain burial ground near Inverness are also being reviewed with the possibility of 60 additional lairs which is the equivalent of around two years additional capacity