Highland council letter to remove railings from grave ‘disgusting’ claim family
A grieving family has received notice from Highland Council to remove pebbles and a small fence they have placed around a grave.
Lillian Matheson received the letter about her late husband’s grave with instructions that she must remove the things that she has put around it.
The 70-year-old said the letter is ‘disgusting’ and ‘ridiculous’ having been asked to dispose of the £1000 upgrades at Petty-Tornagrain.
In the letter, Highland Council state: “Internments are being carried out in neighbouring lairs. Whilst I appreciate the affection that has led to the railings being erected and stones placed on this lair, it is not in-line with the rules and is having a negative effect on other visitors to the burial ground.
“The Highland Council require you to remove the railings and reduce any memorabilia on your lair to within the permitted dimensions of 45cm out from the base of the headstone and 90cm wide, and this must be completed within 28 days of receipt of this letter.
“As there is an interment in neighbouring lair on April 25, I would request you remove the railings as soon as possible. If not done prior to this date, The Highland Council will remove and replace for the interment giving you the full 28 days to remove.”
Mrs Matheson has said she is happy to remove the railings for the interment; however, she would like to see these placed back after.
She said: “They are saying they will take it away for the funeral, which I understand and we can do.
“But the mess of the cemetery is a disgrace. Both my daughter and my husband are buried in the cemetery.
“We did her one up and we did Jimmy’s up because of the mole hills and the council weren’t doing anything.
“It’s doing no harm. It’s mad as life is hard enough without them asking to take it all away. I know other people have similar things on other graves, but I’m not sure if they have had letters too.
“If the council looked after their cemeteries, then people wouldn’t have to do it – it’s disgusting.
“To start ripping up these graves is terrible. I just want peace.”
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “Highland Council has Management Rules in place for burial grounds which ensure that all burial ground visitors can visit their loved ones in a peaceful and respectful setting.
“These rules also ensure that there are no obstructions when interments are being carried out in neighbouring lairs.
“The Management Rules can be viewed on our website: Management Rules - Burials | Management Rules for Burial Grounds. Maintenance for burial grounds has recently commenced and includes grass cutting and path treatment.”
