The Church of Scotland has endorsed a controversial 'lift and deepen' scheme to address a shortage of burial plots, sparking outrage among other faith groups. The plan involves exhuming old remains, placing them in small containers, and re-burying them at maximum depth to allow additional burials in the same plot.
The Scottish government's consultation on modernising death certification, burial, and cremation rules has drawn 102 responses from healthcare staff, local authorities, faith groups, and others. The Kirk's response described the process as 'reasonable and respectful' and supported re-use of lairs older than 75 years with safeguards.
However, the Scottish Council of Jewish Communities expressed serious concerns, stating that the human body is considered sacrosanct before and after death. They objected to local authorities designating plots for re-use without explicit permission. The Muslim Council of Scotland said re-use was acceptable 'only if necessary'.
The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management argued that re-use of old, abandoned lairs is the 'only means' of ensuring long-term security for cemeteries. Scottish government officials have yet to analyse opinions on grave re-use, focusing instead on death certification reforms, including introducing medical investigators and allowing trained clinical staff to verify deaths.
Public Health Minister Shona Robison emphasised the importance of public input, stating the consultation affects everyone. The proposals also include replacing the current cremation fee of about £142 with a more 'modest' charge.
