A deal has been struck in a bid to buy part of an ancient Perthshire burial ground which will see access maintained for families with relatives interred there.
The owners of the former church at Dull cemetery, which has since been converted into a home, wanted to buy a strip of land next to the building.
It is understood the owners wanted to ensure better privacy after having people peer through the windows of their home.
The move was opposed by those with family members buried at the site, who feared it could set a “dangerous” precedent.
The local community even scoured burial and parish records relating to the site as it was feared there could be unmarked graves in the area.
Following a meeting, the bid to buy the land was shelved but the community has since agreed to a compromise. The area of ground in question will be leased, while remaining part of the graveyard.
Tom Pringle, secretary of Dull and Weem Community Council, said: “We were totally against the sale – both for the precedent it would set and because its concecrated ground.
“This compromise is the best outcome for everyone.
“It’s more than likely there are very old graves in that bit of ground and more beyond the dykes of the church but we can’t prove that without doing a big dig.”
Although full details are yet to be finalised, it’s understood that it will include access for members of the public where necessary.
A spokeswoman for Perth and Kinross Council said: “Following agreement from the local community council, we anticipate beginning negotiations shortly regarding lease of the strip of land at Dull Cemetery.
“No arrangements have therefore been finalised at the present time.”
The parish church at Dull dates to the 17th century, but the site is believed to have hosted religious activity as far back as the 8th century.
Excavations of the church floor excavation uncovered stone foundations, an incised cross, a simpler cross incised slab and several skeletons.
