Space for burials in some Highland Perthshire communities is rapidly running out, so the search is on to find a site for a new cemetery.
The space available for new lairs in the existing cemeteries in Blair Atholl and Struan is very limited and is likely to last only two to three years, though burials will still be possible in existing lairs after that.
Various sites for a new cemetery have been considered but, if no suitable land can be found within the Parish of Blair Atholl and Struan, new lairs would only be available elsewhere, such as Pitlochry.
A public meeting is to be held on Tuesday October 8 at 7pm in Blair Atholl Village Hall to discuss the options, and Perth and Kinross Council and local landowners will be represented.
Further information is available on local noticeboards, and survey forms for those unable to attend are available from Blair Atholl post office or Tilt Stores.
According to Perth and Kinross Council, the problem is not widespread across the district.
“All major towns and villages in Perth and Kinross have access to burial space within or close by their communities and we do not foresee this situation changing for many decades to come,” said a spokesperson for the council.
“Perth and Kinross Council has ownership and responsibility for nearly 150 burial grounds.
“About half of these are older burial grounds and churchyards which are closed for new lair coffin interments (burials), except for reopens of existing family lairs, as requested and where there is space for further family coffins.
“We proactively look for suitable ground to extend cemeteries when there is less than 10 years capacity and the burial ground is not near other communities where capacity is available.
“This has been successful in the past in keeping several burial grounds available for local communities and is currently being looked at in four rural communities.
“If suitable land is not available, the local community is informed of this and advice is given on where future burials will take place.
“Where space is limited, the council suspends the sale of lairs in advance of them being required, to ensure that families are able to use their local cemetery for as long as possible.”