Bodies will be raised from their graves in Kirkcaldy after a sheriff gave the go-ahead for a mass exhumation.
The grisly task of removing scores of bodies from more than two dozen burial lairs will be carried out by a team of specialists in January.
The graves have to be dug up for Fife Council to repair a dangerous wall which is at risk of collapse at Abbotshall Church.
It is feared further movement in the stone wall around the 17th Century kirk could see it become unstable, with a risk it could collapse on to Abbotshall Road.
The remains will be stored in conditions which will prevent further deterioration before they are re-interred at the end of the work.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=vBVe5C1eGic%3Frel%3D0
Fife Council had to advertise the project to enable relatives of those interred to make representations to the court or contact the council. There was no opposition to the work during the statutory 21 days. It is expected to start early next year now a warrant has been granted.
Abbotshall minister, the Rev Rosemary Frew, will then carry out a poignant service of re-interment.
Fife housing and building services spokeswoman Judy Hamilton said she was glad the go-ahead was given “to this really important piece of work”.
For our full report, see Wednesday’s Courier or try our digital edition.