Key decisions made to improve Highland Bereavement Services
6th November 2026
Members of the Communities and Place Committee have made key decisions that will improve affordability and choice within Highland bereavement services at Inverness Crematorium; and introduce stronger governance and transparency for charitable funding applications through the crematorium metal recycling scheme.
Members also approved the adoption of a standardised burial management plan across Highland which will ensure compliance with new national burial management legislation.
Chair of Communities and Place Committee, Cllr Graham MacKenzie said: “Significant progress has been made with works at Inverness Crematorium. The large chapel has seen improvements upgrading the committal area and providing greater flexibility during funeral services. The small chapel has been brought back into service following a full refurbishment, providing a bright and welcoming setting for smaller funerals and direct cremations.
“I am pleased that not only is the Council introducing new standardised policies and procedures in both Cremation and Burial Services providing more choice to people in Highland, I am also very pleased that we are making the burden of bereavement more affordable by making Highland’s fees closer and comparable to the Scottish average.”
Proposed changes to cremation fees and service options at Inverness Crematorium that were approved by Members include:
A reduction in the direct cremation fee from £820 to £565.
The introduction of a new lower cost Reflection Service costing £820, including a 15-minute reflection period; one piece of music; and display of one photograph.
The reduction of direct cremation fee will come into effect later this month and the new reflection service making use of the refurbished small chapel at Inverness Crematorium will be introduced in December. These changes will provide more affordable funeral options for Highland residents; provide new choice between a traditional service and a direct cremation and see a reduction in direct cremation fees bringing them closer to the Scottish average.
A new Charity Nomination and Governance Policy for the Inverness Crematorium metal recycling scheme was also approved by Members and progress of the scheme was noted.
Councillors agreed to adopt a formal and transparent process for nominating bereavement-related charitable organisations which will be invited to apply to the scheme for funding every two years.
The establishment of a Charity Nomination Panel was welcomed by Councillors and will comprise council officers; a finance representative; and the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Communities and Place Committee. The panel will select up to eight charities bi-annually and will introduce annual reporting and governance arrangements.
The new policy and panel will increase opportunities for Highland bereavement, hospice and end-of-life charities. Ensure a fair, accountable and auditable nomination process and continue supporting local charities through proceeds generated from metal recycling.
Member also approved the Council's standard Burial Management Plan which will be implemented through nine area-based Burial Management Plans across Highland covering: Badenoch and Strathspey; Caithness; Easter Ross and Cromarty; Inverness; Isle of Skye and Raasay; Lochaber; Nairn; Sutherland; and Wester Ross and Lochalsh.
The new Burial Management Plan is a requirement of the Burial (Management) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 which will ensure that the Council meets its statutory duties as a burial authority. The Plan will also formalise procedures for burial operations, maintenance, memorial safety inspections, equipment servicing and business continuity planning; and improve consistency, governance and risk management across all Council-operated burial grounds.