Burial ground projects in Wester Ross

Work at three burial ground projects were noted by the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh area committee this week.

Committee members noted the current capacities and progress of burial ground extensions in the ward.

Through its Capital Programme the Council aims to provide appropriate burial ground provision in the Highlands. The team are reviewing burial ground extensions in areas where trends forecast current capacity to be reached within the next 10 years.

The following projects have recently been completed:

• Annat Burial Ground – The local amenities team has identified space for an additional 10 lairs within the existing burial ground boundary, making efficient use of the available area.

• Gairloch Burial Ground – The local amenities team has installed additional strip foundations within the existing cemetery, effectively increasing its capacity for several more years.

• Mellon Charles Burial Ground – The local amenities team has cleared a section of Council-owned land adjacent to the burial ground in preparation for a future extension. The area can accommodate over 50 lairs, securing burial provision for at least the next 25 years.

Although outwith the present Capital Programme, one burial ground in the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh area has less than 10 years capacity - Urray West Church / Urray New Burial Ground.

This burial ground is estimated to have 9.4 years of remaining capacity and all potential options for future provision will be thoroughly investigated and reviewed.

Work is still ongoing to review detailed projects for the current capital budget for 2024/25 - 2028/29 of £4.168 million.