MyEDC

    Technical Notes 2025, Issue 127 - Headstone and Memorial Inspections - Update

    • Report by:

      Ann Davie, Chief Executive

    • TN Number:

      127-25

    • Subject:

      Headstone and Memorial Inspections - Update

    • Responsible Officer:

      Stephen Egan, Team Leader - Streetscene Technical Support

    • Publication:

      This Technical Note will be published on the Council’s website following circulation to Members. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council.

    • This Technical Note has been written to update Elected Members on the ongoing inspections of Headstones and Memorials across Cemeteries and Churchyards within East Dunbartonshire
    • East Dunbartonshire has a combination of 11 Cemeteries and Churchyards across the district. Within these locations there are approximately 18,000 headstones and memorials, some of which are over 100 years old
    • Although the Headstones and Memorials are not owned by the Council, it has a duty of care to ensure that they do not pose a health and safety risk to anyone working within or visiting these locations. The ownership of the headstone or memorial remains the property of the lair holder
    • The Council has previously undertaken inspections across these sites and continues to do so, specifically within Langfaulds and High Park, to ensure any new erected headstones meet the requirements outlined within the code of practice for installation
    • Officers have been liaising with a specialist contractor who commenced the inspection process in Old Aisle in November 2024 – this location is now complete and the inspection process has now progressed to Campsie Cemetery and New Kilpatrick Churchyard, with the anticipation that these locations will be complete in August 2025
    • The initial inspection phase has highlighted a larger than expected number of headstones and memorials requiring a level of action and a flag system is in place to mark them in Campsie and New Kilpatrick Churchyard. A red flag indicates that it has failed the inspection and that it requires to be made safe. A white flag indicates it has passed the inspection, however there is a level of movement and will be reinspected in a year
    • Although as noted above the headstones and memorials are the property of the lair holder, the Council has a duty of care to ensure that they do not pose a health and safety risk to anyone working within or visiting these locations. The Council will take temporary measures to make the headstones safe. However, the lair holder is responsible for the maintenance of the headstone / memorial, and they should approach an accredited Monumental Mason to carry out any permanent repairs needed. This work is due to start in the short term and will be carried out by trained operatives in a sensitive manner
    • Signage has been placed at entrances to the Cemeteries and Churchyards during the works to alert visitors to the inspections and works. A media release and social media messaging will also be used to highlight the inspections and make safe works being undertaken. The Cemeteries and Churchyard will remain open during this process.