FAQ's: Burial and Cemeteries

Are graveside decorations allowed? Graves are intended to have a memorial at the head only. To allow them to be neatly mown, obstructions should not be placed on the grass area. Kerb edging, fences, windmills, toys, pot plants…

Are there Restrictions on Grave Access? There will be occasions when Burial Grounds staff need to excavate the lair adjoining the one which you have purchased. The excavated soil may have to be placed on your lair. In most cases, e…

Can I purchase a lair in Inverclyde cemeteries? Knocknairshill cemetery, which opened in 1994, is the only cemetery which has lairs available for purchase.

Can I purchase a lair now for future use? Lairs can only be purchased for immediate use following a bereavement. However, this policy will be reviewed when sufficient interment capacity is developed.

Can I specify the precise location for my new lair? No. Due to operational requirements, only three lairs are available for purchase at any one time.

Can more information be obtained concerning burial and, if required, can a cemetery or churchyard be visited by members of the public? The matters referred to may be discussed in more details with the Burial Grounds Officer who also acts as the Registrar of the burial grounds. He will be pleased to answer any further question…

How are Grave Rights awarded? Grave rights are awarded for a period of 100 years. Please keep the grave deeds safe, as they are evidence of your Right of Burial. Grave Rights ensure that any further burial must be of the g…

How do I report vandalism in a cemetery? If you see anyone vandalising the cemetery or using the cemetery as a play area do not approach them. Report them to Burial Grounds staff. Outwith office hours, contact the police on 101.

I have lost my title deeds. How do I get another copy? If you have lost your title deeds, check with your family or the funeral director who carried out the last interment on your behalf to see if they have the deeds. A duplicate copy can be reque…

Is burial more expensive than cremation? Yes, generally the cost of burial is much higher. In addition to the charges for interment, a number of other fees for lair purchase and memorials may be incurred.

Is the burial of a body governed by a code of ethics and working practices? Burial authorities who are members of the Institute of Burial and Cremation Administration are required to operate strictly in accordance with a Code of Practice for cemeteries which provides …

Is there a difference between a lair and a grave? No. Lair is just another term for grave.

Must a burial be associated with a religious ceremony? No. The family of the deceased can make any service arrangements they consider to be appropriate. If desired, no ceremony needs to take place at all. Memorial services can be conducted se…

My family lair has already had three interments. Can I continue to use this lair for cremated remains? Yes, up to six cremated remains caskets can also be interred.

The next of kin does not want the lair, but I wish to be buried in the lair. Is this possible? Yes, the next of kin can relinquish in favour of you providing that there are no objections from other surviving relatives.

The title holder and partner are both deceased. Who do the title deeds transfer to? The next of kin will now become the Title Holder of the lair.

What is the maximum number of interments permitted in a lair? A lair can accommodate up to three interments.

Who do I contact if the lair has subsided? One of the common problems is ground settlement which can occur at any time. Burial Grounds staff usually level the ground as part of the maintenance programme. Otherwise, you can contact the …

Who is responsible for the memorial headstone? The Title Holder of the lair or his/her descendants are responsible for ensuring that the memorial remains in a safe condition and does not become a danger to themselves or other visitors to t…

Who is responsible for the safety of the headstone? The owners of a grave are responsible for the safety of the memorial on the grave. If it becomes loose, leans or otherwise appears unsafe, please contact a Council Approved Monumental Sculptor…