Parts of Fife are facing a critical shortage of burial grounds after plans to build two new eco-friendly cemeteries failed.
Extensive tests were carried out at woodland areas in both Kinghorn and West Wemyss to create natural burial sites but the proposals were later abandoned after both ventures were deemed too costly.
These types of graveyards are more environmentally friendly because only biodegradable coffins are used and a tree, flowers or plants are planted to mark the deceased in place of a headstone.
They also provide refuge for wild birds, animals, insects and native plants and are economically appealing, with prices starting at around £570. This includes the grave site, coffin, the grave itself and collection of the body. Conventional funerals cost between £1,500 and £2,000.
The Kinghorn project was originally estimated to cost around £200,000.
Fife Council’s bereavement services manager Liz Murphy said the total amount quoted to adapt the land to make it suitable for purpose “far outweighed” its requirement, as was the case with the other site.
Ms Murphy said the council was still keen on the idea and had been approached by a private enterprise company to open up an eco-cemetery in Saline in west Fife.
“Talks are at a very early stage and another site in east Fife is also a possibility but both will be subject to various soil assessments and will have to comply with stringent Scottish Environmental Protection Agency regulations.’’
Fife Council recently adopted a policy whereby advance sales of burial plots were stopped at cemeteries which have a projected lifespan of 10 years or less.
Various parts of Fife have a shortage of burial plots or have reached capacity, such as Bowhill Cemetery, Cardenden, which has been full since 2001.
A spokeswoman for the Cardenden and Kinglassie branch of Fife Elderly Forum said: “It is a real concern for elderly people here that there is such a shortage of burial plots, and is also a worry for their families who have to travel to neighbouring towns and villages to visit their loved ones, so I hope the council manage to find a suitable alternative site nearby soon.”
Other cemeteries almost full in Fife are Scoonie in Leven and St Andrews Western.