Plans unveiled for new burial site based on ancient design

Fife could be home to Scotland’s first columbarium as part of plans for a woodland cemetery in Kinghorn.

Kinghorn Community Land Association (KCLA) is behind the proposal for the 10-acre repository for cremation urns.

It plans to create a woodland cemetery, which would be the first of its kind in Fife, including a wildflower meadow and a hilltop congregation area.

Run as a social enterprise, the project also aims to provide a wildlife habitat and use biodegradable coffins.

“It’s an incredibly exciting project for Kinghorn,” said KCLA chairman Richard Brewster.

“There is a real shortage of cemetery space in Kinghorn and making these proposals a reality will provide an opportunity for people to have somewhere special to lay loved ones to rest.

“The cemetery will develop into a natural woodland and peaceful remembrance space with wildflower meadow and spectacular views over the Forth.

“The idea for the columbarium is based on an Iron Age barrow – a hollow mound with passages within it, with a central walled area somewhat like a broch, and a path that leads from the higher celebration platform.”

There are only three similar columbaria in the UK, and this would be the first in Scotland.

KCLA commissioned Edinburgh architects Simpson and Brown to design the structure, and the firm worked with the community on the plans.

Lead architect John Sanders, said the interior of the columbarium would be like an ancient tomb, similar to Maeshowe in Orkney.

He said: “The columbarium will have over 600 niches with each niche containing up to six urns allowing families to be interred.”