Burials and graves

It is usual that a burial or interment is arranged on behalf of the bereaved by a funeral director. However, it is possible to make arrangements directly. This may involve the purchase of a new burial plot or lair or the opening of an existing lair.

Some of our burial grounds are open, providing new burial plots or lairs, and some are closed and do not provide new lairs.

An interment can be arranged under normal circumstances within 48 hours although for certain ethnic groups this can be reduced to 24 hours upon receipt of the full details.

There is a charge applicable for lair purchase and interment, including cremation caskets.

The purchase of a lair or burial plot grants the holder the exclusive right to burial. There is no transfer of land ownership. Lairs are provided forever and the maintenance of the lair and the surrounding cemetery ground is carried out by cemetery staff. Usually the lairholder is responsible for matters about the lair. In normal circumstances, the lair holder has authority over the use of the lair and the erection of memorials. 

We provide lawn style lairs in all our cemeteries. Bothwellpark Cemetery, Bellshill has a dedicated baby section where communal burial is provided.

In December 2009, a baby memorial garden was opened in Cambusnethan Cemetery, Wishaw to meet the very specific needs of those who tragically lose babies, either during pregnancy or at a young age. 184 lair spaces were created, a communal burial area was developed and a wall erected where up to 500 plaques can be placed in memorium. This cemetery also has an area dedicated for the interment of members of the ethnic community.

There are a number of war graves distributed amongst our cemeteries and a number of war memorials that are managed by the service.

It is usual to have three coffin interments in a lair although this may vary due to ground conditions, coffin sizes or depth of previously interred coffins. We try to accommodate four adults but cannot guarantee this.

Cremated remains can be interred in a new or existing lair after the appropriate permission has been obtained.

The lair certificate confirms the details of the lair holder and shows the name, date of interment and depth remaining after the last interment. It is an important document, which is used to help determine your right to have an interment in the lair.

What to expect:

• if the depth remaining is less than 1.20 metres but greater than 0.90 metres the lair is likely to be able to accommodate one full size coffin
• if less than 1.70 metres but greater than 1.20 metres, the lair is likely to be able to accommodate two full size coffins
• if less than 2.20 metres but greater than 1.70 metres, the lair is likely to be able to accommodate three full size coffins

These are guidelines only and a number of factors can affect what can be achieved in any particular lair, for example, the size of coffin or unexpected ground conditions. In most cases up to six sets of cremated remains may be placed in a lair; however, this may affect the interment of a coffin. If the entry on the certificate states "full" then the lair cannot accommodate any further coffin interment.

Tributes that are laid on or nearby a lair can remain in place for 14 days before removal.