Searching burial records

All requests for a search of burial records for cemeteries within our jurisdiction must be in writing to our Neighbourhood Services team either:

  • online
  • by letter to Neighbourhood Services, Council Headquarters, Newtwon St Boswells, TD6 0SA

Requests must include:

  • the name of the deceased
  • exact date of death
  • last address of deceased (if known)
  • name of the cemetery

Further information

If you do not know the exact date of death, this can be established by contacting National Records for Scotland online via their website. Or you can call on 0131 314 4300.

Their office is open 9am-4pm Monday to Friday.

The General Registration Unit cannot provide searches on deaths that are under 50 years old as they are classed as modern day records and there is a moratorium on the information that can be provided on such entries without knowing the exact details.

We would generally redirect enquiries of this nature to the Scotland’s People website where records can be searched.

Assisted funerals

Details of assisted funerals dating back to 2005 are available, in addition to information regarding the associated costs.

Cemeteries

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA

Telephone: 0300 100 1800