Controversial plans which could stop people in Perth and Kinross choosing their final resting place have been given the go-ahead.
A number of graveyards across the area are almost at capacity, with figures showing they will be full within a decade.
In a bid to protect the availability of lairs, councillors were asked to back measures to prevent advance purchases.
On Wednesday, the environment committee agreed to the proposal, meaning pre-purchasing will be limited to just one lair at burial grounds with more than 10 years’ capacity, while those with less space will not permit any pre-sales.
The cemeteries facing a ban on the pre-purchase of lairs are Abernyte, St Madoes, Portmoak, Fowlis Wester, Madderty, Clunie, Kenmore, Kinclaven and Kilmaveonaig (Blair Atholl).
It is hoped that this will help protect the “immediate” future burial requirements of communities, a report to the committee says.
There have been cases of people pre-purchasing a final resting place but never using it in the event of their death due to moving away from the area or changing their wishes, councillors were told.
According to figures released by the local authority, of 217 sales of coffin and ashes lairs in the past five years, only 45 have been used for interments.
Under current rules, lairs which remain unused for more than 35 years can be reclaimed by the council in the event the owner or their family cannot be contacted. These are then reallocated.
The report to councillors outlined the background to the proposals, saying: “In order to control and manage the number of lairs being pre-purchased, it is council practice to require a formal ‘funeral plan’ to be put in place as a condition of any advance lair purchase.
“These funeral plans are quite expensive (approximately £1,500 or more) as they involve paying for many aspects of the funeral in advance and therefore require a degree of commitment to use the lair.
“An alternative approach is therefore required which is more equitable, while ensuring the most effective use of the land available in public burial grounds for future generations.”
The council plans have been described as “shortsighted” by Perth funeral director James Carcary, of Canal Street, who urged the council to take an alternative approach.
He felt that the revenue from the continued selling of lairs could be used to solve the problem.
“The money could be invested in securing the future by using it to purchase more land in the area nearby cemeteries,” said Mr Carcary. “This would allow people to secure a place for their burials.”
He thought that the plan would prove unpopular with families with a longstanding link to a particular village.
“I think the council are being unfair,” said Mr Carcary, who pointed out that only a small percentage of people wished to be buried compared to being cremated.