Capital searches for new cemeteries

Mortonhall Cemetery is nearing capacity

Council officials in Edinburgh have warned that the Scottish capital is running out of space to bury its dead.

The city's cemeteries are filling up rapidly - and now councillors have ordered an urgent search for new burial grounds.

The move came after a report warned that there was a critical need to provide new burial spaces in some areas - but that a lengthy search for sites had been unsuccessful.

Officials recommended that the efforts to identify new locations should be renewed.

Councillor Brian Fallon: Land is scarce

Graveyards like the city's largest at Mortonhall - which was opened in 1960 and was due to serve the capital for another decade - are now nearing capacity.

However, there are physical and financial problems for the officials who manage and administer nearly 40 cemeteries and churchyards in the capital.

Councillor Brian Fallon admitted that land was very scarce in Edinburgh.

"We may have to go to the green belt. We also may have to consider compulsory purchase because it is critical and we need to act as soon as possible," he said.

"The cost of land is so excessive that it is very difficult, but we will get there - we have to."

Council bereavement officer George Bell acknowledged that it was "a very sensitive issue".

George Bell: "Very sensitive issue"

He said: "People obviously want to bury their loved one.

"They have a lot of things on their mind when they have a bereavement and the last thing they should have on their minds is where they are going to do it, will there be enough cemetery provision."

Carers have also stressed that the issue must be handled compassionately.

Bereavement counsellor John Burrell said: "It is very important that as well as the political and financial implications, those who make decisions remember that they are dealing with people who will be at a very emotional time.

"It is very important for people that they are given a range of options so that if they want to opt for burial they are able to."