Graveyards space running out on Mull

People on Mull are unable to prepare for the end of their lives because graveyards on the island are running out of space.

Tobermory, a town with a population of close to 1,000, has only nine spaces left in its cemetery.

And plots cannot be bought until someone has died, meaning islanders cannot prepare in advance.

Billy McClymont, chairman of Mull Community Council and owner of Mull Funeral Services, said: ‘This is nothing new to the council. Tobermory is down to nine graves.’

Mr McClymont explained that there are lairs available in other parts of Mull, but ‘it’s like saying to someone in Oban that Pennyfuir is full, but there’s space in Lochgilphead’.

He continued: ‘People want to be buried where they are from, not 30 miles away, especially if you could not be buried on the island. It’s not getting to that stage yet, but if you are in Tobermory, it’s a concern.

‘There is a moratorium on buying graves because there aren’t any. I am concerned that there are other places in the same situation who are unaware of it.’

Councillor for Oban South and the Isles Mary-JeanDevon raised the issue at the latest Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee meeting: saying: ‘A lot of people are wanting to buy their plots and prepare for the end of their life. This really concerns me. What has the council done about expanding graveyards?’

Policy lead for roads and amenity services Councillor Roddy McCuish added: ‘I will chase this up as a matter of priority.

‘I am aware that some are full, and some are almost full. We need to do this with the upmost respect.

‘I believe some already have permission to expand. I will chase that up. I can only apologise that no one has got back to you.’

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: ‘A feasibility study is currently under way to establish how an expansion of the cemetery at Beadoun near Tobermory could be carried out. The process is in the early stages and any expansion would depend on capital funds being available.’

The council is responsible for 13 cemeteries on the island.