More than 30 cemeteries in Highlands nearing capacity
More than 30 cemeteries in the Highlands could be full within the next six years.
There are no cemeteries in Badenoch and Strathspey at risk of running out of space before 2026 based on current trends.
But the Kilvean cemetery next to Inverness Crematorium and a burial ground near Croy are both approaching capacity in the city area, according to a council report.
Members of Highland Council’s communities and place committee heard at their latest meeting there is a need for action.
Officers also detailed the difficulties of finding suitable land that meets the geological and environmental requirements for cemeteries as well as purchase and development costs and planning considerations.
A strategic review of the future for the 268 cemeteries the council is responsible for is now being undertaken.
This will involve council surveyors, design and legal teams who will work to identify suitable land, alongside stakeholders like the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, to plot a way ahead for the next 20 years.
The council usually facilitiate around 1500 burials and 1200 cremations in a normal year across the Highland area.
Officers provided an update following the Covid-19 outbreak.
Hugh Gardner, the authority's bereavement services project manager, said: "The initial modelling for the pandemic suggested the impact of the virus could result in a far higher number of deaths in Highland if controls were not introduced by the Government and followed by communities.
"By the end of July, 53 Covid deaths were registered in the area.
"Every single death in the area will have impacted on families, friends and communities and the council expresses its condolences for the loss."
