Space-saving scheme to re-use old graves

BODIES could be stacked in graves because of a shortage of burial plots, it emerged yesterday.

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.