Burials

We carry out regular headstone safety inspections in our cemeteries to protect visitors, families and staff. These checks help prevent accidents, make sure memorials are stable, and keep burial grounds safe and dignified.

If you are a visitor or a lair holder, this page explains what we do, when inspections happen, and what to do if you have concerns.

What we are doing and why

We inspect headstones and memorials to:

• reduce the risk of accidents
• keep cemeteries safe for everyone
• make sure memorials remain secure and respectful

We inspect all local cemeteries as part of a rolling programme. Each headstone is checked once every five years.

When inspections take place

Inspections happen regularly across South Lanarkshire cemeteries. They are planned and carried out in stages, rather than all at once.

Current checks are taking place at:

• Carluke Wilton
• Bent
• East Kilbride
• High Blantyre
• Lanark
• Larkhall
• Lesmahagow
• Rutherglen
• Strathaven
• Westburn

How we check headstones

We check each memorial to make sure it is stable and not at risk of falling. 

If a headstone is safe, no action is needed.

If we find a safety issue, we act straight away to protect people and prevent accidents.

What happens if a headstone is unsafe

If a memorial is unsafe, we take immediate steps to secure it. What we do depends on the size of the headstone and the level of risk.

This may include:

• securing the memorial with wooden posts and bands
• placing fencing around the area
• carefully laying the headstone flat
• removing loose sections safely
• using trenching to stabilise the headstone

Trenching involves digging a small hole at the head of the lair and placing the headstone into it so it is upright and secure.

We always aim to keep memorials tidy while protecting visitors and staff.

How we let families know

If we have your contact details, we will contact you as soon as possible if your memorial needs attention.

In some cases, we may need to secure the headstone before contacting you to keep people safe.

We also:

• place a notice on the memorial
• display notices at cemetery entrances

This helps make sure all visitors and lair holders are aware of safety actions.

What you can do

If you:

• receive a notice
• spot a problem with a memorial
• want to update your contact details

please get in touch. We are happy to answer questions or look into concerns.

For more information, please contact Bereavement Services.