Burials and Graves

Burials

Finding a funeral director

We have provided a list of funeral directors in the Scottish Borders or you can use the search facility at www.nafd.org.uk (The National Association of Funeral Directors).

Please understand that Scottish Borders Council does not accept responsibility for the quality of service provided by any of the firms on the lists we provide – the lists are purely for information.

Coffins

Coffins now come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Your funeral director (should you use one) can help you in your choice, but the attached is a list of potential alternative coffin suppliers you may wish to consider.

Finding a Mason

To help with supplying a headstone or other stonework, you can see a list of masons in the Scottish Borders.

Burial Grounds in the Scottish Borders

You can find maps showing the location of all the Cemeteries and Churchyards in the Scottish Borders.

Home burials

There is no specific restraint under Scottish law, to stop a person setting aside a part of their land as a family burial place. However, please read our guidance notes to make sure you’ve thought about the consequences before going down this route.

Graves

There are two types of grave. An unpurchased grave, sometimes known as a public or common grave, is where the right to burial cannot be bought and the council has total control of the grave. Unrelated people are buried in this type of grave. No memorial rights exist on public graves so no headstone or other memorial can be put up. Unpurchased graves can be bought at a later date and memorials can then be added if no other person is buried in the grave.
A purchased grave is where the right of burial can be bought in perpetuity. The owner of the right of burial can decide who will be buried in the grave and memorials are allowed in line with our cemetery regulations. Cremated remains can be placed in purchased graves.

Buying a grave

Anyone can buy a grave in a Scottish Borders cemetery. However, non-residents will pay an additional surcharge. Normally, your funeral director will help to make the necessary arrangements for buying a grave. Some people may want to make their own arrangements at the time of the funeral and we will be happy to advise you (link to contact us form). If you would like to view the section of the cemetery where the burial is to take place before the funeral, we will arrange for a member of staff to meet with you on the site. A list of charges is available.
The exclusive right of burial in a purchased grave is sold in perpetuity. Please note that it is the right to be buried that is purchased - the land is owned by the Council.

Types of purchased grave

Traditional grave spaces allow the owner of the grave to put a full headstone on after burial. All memorials of this type must be installed to approved national standards.
Baby graves can be reserved for up to one year. Specific baby areas are available at Wairds Cemetery in Melrose and Peebles Cemetery. There is no charge for stillborn graves, where interment takes place within seasonal working hours.
Cremated Remains graves where each grave can contain up to six sets of remains.
Woodland Burial Graves offer an alternative to traditional graves and headstones, and may be chosen by those who wish to create a woodland, providing environmental benefits to their families and future generations. These graves are for single burial only and are commonly known as "Green Burials". The area is a completely natural site and environment with no personal items or memorials allowed. However, memorial trees can be chosen from a list of native trees. Scottish Borders Council has a Woodland burial site at Shawfield Cemetery in Selkirk.
There is also a company in the Scottish Borders who has its own Woodland burial site at Hundy Mundy Wood, near Kelso. For more information see www.nativewoodland.co.uk

Burial times

Burials can take place on any day, but there may be an additional charge at certain times.

Headstone and grave monitoring

We run a Headstone Restoration Programme, which involves surveying headstones for stability and making them safe where necessary. (Note, though that maintenance of headstones is the responsibility of the lair holder or family). There is also a re-instatement programme for sunken graves and a rolling programme for the period of time after a burial to reinstate a level surface on grave.

Cemetery rules

There are rules governing the cemetery such as exclusive rights of burial, notice of burial, memorials, use of vehicles etc.

Useful links

FAQ; You can see a number of Frequently Asked Questions about Burials, Graves and Funerals.

Arranging a burial without a funeral director.

Fees and charges for burial services.

List of Burial grounds.

Useful information such as support organisations and governing bodies.

When someone dies; guidance on what needs to be done.

Burials - Genealogy and Grounds Maintenance.