On 25 March 1999, Councillors approved Rules and Regulations for the efficient management of both burial grounds and the Crematorium. We have provided an outline of matters which are of general public interest.
Burial Grounds
An "Exclusive Right of Burial" certificate may be purchased to reserve a certain lair within a particular burial ground. Certain parts of the burial ground may not yet be available for such sales since lairs must be sold in a structured way.
The registered certificate holder is the person who has the right to permit use of the lair concerned. This right can be sold or transferred to another person but only through formal registered transfer as approved by the Council. Should the holder be deceased, evidence of succession will be required.
The Council retains all rights to cut grass and maintain the turf over each lair.
Notice of burial, usually submitted by a professional undertaker, must be given to the Council as early as possible to ensure that there are at least 48 hours for identification and preparation of a grave. Weekends and public holidays are not normally counted in this 48 hour period.
Only in the most urgent or compelling circumstances can burials take place within 48 hours or on public holidays and Sundays.
The number of burials in a particular lair cannot, in some Areas, be guaranteed due to ground conditions or historical circumstances.
An "Exclusive Right of Burial" certificate may also be purchased for lairs, where available, to receive cremated remains. Adequate notice of burial is again required. Cremated remains cannot be scattered within a cemetery.
There are specific regulations which deal with the size and style of memorials which may be erected on purchased lairs. Prior approval is necessary, usually applied for by a monumental sculptor.
The lair holder is liable for the safety and condition of the memorial stone although the Council may give notice of urgent works and recover costs where necessary.
Flower vases (not glass or pottery) are allowed within 450mm (18 inches) of the memorial base. Similarly, any permitted planting must be within the same area. Kerbs, railings and fences of any kind are not permitted. Plastic flowers are liable to damage and disappearance during windy weather. Care must be taken to properly secure them.
The Council also has general rules and regulations concerning entrance and exit, open hours; unaccompanied children; dogs (except guide dogs); "expired" wreath and flower removal; car access; and general public conduct within cemetery grounds.
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Inverness Crematorium
The Book of Remembrance normally displays the page for the current date. Other pages may be viewed on request.
Cremation timings and arrangements must be agreed with an authorised member of staff before they are publicised.
Applications for cremations are usually dealt with by a professional undertaker who is familiar with the necessary paperwork and procedures. This paperwork must be received by an authorised official at the Crematorium office not later than 12 noon the day before the intended cremation. For Monday cremations, 12 noon the previous Friday applies.
The directions of Crematorium staff must be followed with regard to wreaths and flowers as well as entrance, conduct and exit from each of the chapels. Services will have an allocated time. The forty-five minutes allowed for each service includes the entrance and exit of all mourners. Late arrive of a cortege may result in postponement of that service till later in the day.
In order to avoid disturbance to other mourners, any proposals for the playing of music, inside or outside the building, require prior approval.Cremated remains will normally be released, by arrangement, after 10 am upon the first working day after the cremation. Release is usually to a pre-arranged person who must sign for them.
Caskets for remains can be purchased or provided privately, failing which the Council will provide a suitable container.
Caskets not uplifted will be held for up to four months. Thereafter, the Council will deal with disposal in a sensitive manner but only after giving notice to the person who instructed the cremation.
By arrangement, plaques may be erected in the Garden of Remembrance in respect of each memorial rose, tree or shrub planted.
Smoking is prohibited in the crematorium. No dogs, except guide dogs are permitted in the Crematorium buildings or grounds.
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