Space-saving scheme to re-use old graves

The Scottish Government wants to gauge public opinion on the proposal as part of plans to modernise rules on death certification, burial and cremation. Re-using lairs older than 75 years was suggested among proposals in a public consultation, which runs until 21 April.

A "dig and deepen" scheme would allow old remains to be dug up, placed in a small container and then reburied at the maximum depth to allow future burials in the same plot.

Headstones would be preserved, either on site or by a group such as Historic Scotland.