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Moray Council’s proposed changes to funeral arrangements spark outrage

Funeral directors voice concerns over new interment times and lack of consultation.

Protest against Moray Council's funeral arrangement changes
Community members express outrage over Moray Council's proposed funeral arrangement changes.

In a recent move that has stirred significant controversy, Moray Council announced plans to implement major changes to funeral arrangements, limiting interments to just four per day across the region. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from local funeral directors, who argue that the new schedule could lead to severe delays and emotional distress for grieving families.

Proposed changes and community response

According to a notification sent to funeral directors last week, the new interment schedule would restrict burial times to two slots at AM and two at PM. This change is set to take effect on March 1, 2025.

However, following backlash from the community and funeral professionals, the council has agreed to postpone the implementation until further consultations can be held.

Philip McLean, a funeral director at Frank S. McLean and Son, expressed his frustration, labeling the changes as “tragic” for families and celebrants alike. He highlighted the impracticality of the early AM slot, which would require families to arrive as early as 8 AM, causing undue stress during an already difficult time. “It’s going to be tragic,” he stated, emphasizing the potential for significant delays in interments.

Concerns over consultation and community impact

The lack of prior consultation with funeral directors and the public has been a major point of contention. Community councils in Elgin and Lossiemouth have voiced their concerns, stating that the changes could adversely affect many residents in Moray. Alistair Kennedy, chairman of the Elgin Community Council, expressed shock at the council’s decision, noting that it would likely impact everyone in the region.

Joe Dawsons Funeral Home in Buckie also criticized the proposed times as “impractical” and “unsympathetic.” They pointed out that while Moray Council has historically limited burials to four per day, the newly proposed times do not accommodate the needs of families adequately. The funeral home emphasized the importance of considering the emotional and logistical challenges faced by those mourning their loved ones.

Next steps for Moray Council

In light of the backlash, Moray Council has committed to engaging in further dialogue with funeral directors before finalizing the new interment schedule. A spokesperson for the council stated, “A final decision on the times for funeral interments will be made shortly after the council has had further dialogue with Funeral Directors.” The council aims to introduce fixed booking times by March 31, 2025, after reviewing feedback from the community and funeral professionals.

This situation highlights the delicate balance between administrative decisions and the emotional needs of families during times of loss. As the council prepares for consultations, it remains to be seen how they will address the concerns raised by funeral directors and community members alike.


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