Consultation on New Burial Strategy for Dumfries and Galloway
A burial strategy is a requirement of the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016. The new strategy will help shape the future management of our service, the maintenance of the council's 187 cemeteries and churchyards, as well as how the council would develop new cemetery sites.
Why are we consulting?
We're consulting on a new burial strategy for Dumfries and Galloway.
A burial strategy is a requirement of the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016. The new strategy will help shape the future management of the service, the maintenance of our council's 187 cemeteries and churchyards, as well as how our council would develop new cemetery sites.
On 4 April 2023, Communities committee agreed the scope and consultation mandate. You can read the committee report here and the mandate here.
The consultation period ends 25 August 2023.
What is the consultation process?
The consultation process is comprised of:
1. Community conversations (June 2023)
- Our Community Assets and Ward Working teams are holding a series of community conversation events across the region this month to consult on a new burial strategy for Dumfries and Galloway.
- Community conversations are an opportunity for residents, business and stakeholders to engage directly with the council, and to help shape the new strategy.
- There is an event in each of the council's twelve wards, as well as two online events. Staff will be at the events to provide information, listen to your views, and to support you in completing the consultation survey.
2. Focus groups (June to July 2023)
- There are focus groups with key businesses and stakeholders to help shape the strategy. These include with funeral directors, monumental masons, health and social care partnership, and the regional interfaith group.
3. Wider consultations using online survey (June to August 2023)
- We will consult with other stakeholders not represented in the first two elements, including but not limited to community councils, and health, age, and bereavement charities. You can complete the survey below:
List of Community Conversation Events
FOCUS GROUP - Book to attend the next Focus Group meeting on Tuesday, 18 July at 10.30am or 7pm on Microsoft Teams. Email burialstrategyconsultation@dumgal.gov.uk to be sent Teams link.
- Presentation events 2 to 3pm, unless stated.
- Drop-in events from 3 to 5pm, unless stated
- For presentation and drop-in events there is no need to register.
- For online events please email us at burialstrategyconsultation@dumgal.gov.uk stating which online events you are attending - 22 June or 28 June, and we will then email you the Teams link.
Date | Ward name | Venue address and postcode |
19 June | Ward 2 | McMillan Hall, Dashwood Square, Newton Stewart DG8 6EQ |
19 June | Ward 7 | Kirkconnel Miners' Memorial Centre, 1 Needle Street, Kirkconnel DG4 6ND
|
20 June | Ward 9 | Georgetown Library, Gilbrae Road, Dumfries DG1 4EJ
|
20 June | Ward 10 Presentation 3pm to 4pm Drop-in 4pm to 6pm | Victoria Hall Complex, Downie's Wynd, Annan DG12 6EE |
21 June | Ward 12 | Richard Greenhow Centre, Central Avenue, Gretna DG16 5AQ |
21 June | Ward 1 | Stranraer Library, North Strand Street, Stranraer DG9 7LD |
22 June | Ward 11 | Moffat Town Hall, High Street, Moffat DG10 9HF |
22 June | Online Event 7pm to 8.30pm | On Microsoft Teams |
26 June | Ward 5 | Dalbeattie Town Hall, High Street, Dalbeattie DG5 4AD |
27 June | Ward 8 | Lochthorn Library, Edinburgh Road, Dumfries DG1 1UF |
27 June | Ward 3 | Kirkcudbright Bowling Club, Church Place, Kirkcudbright DG6 4AF
|
28 June | Ward 6 | The Bridge, Glasgow Road, Dumfries DG2 9AW |
28 June | Online Event 7pm to 8.30pm | On Microsoft Teams |
29 June | Ward 4 | Castle Douglas Town Hall, 5 St Andrew Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1DE |
What happens next?
1. At the conclusion of the consultation period, responses received will be collated into an initial Summary Paper and shared with all consultees registered to receive further information.
2. The findings of the consultations will then be considered by Communities committee on 3 October 2023.
3. Consultees will receive further information in the form of We Asked, You Said, We Did.
4. A strategy will be written for consideration at a future meeting of Communities committee.
Background information
- Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016
- Burial Strategy for Dumfries and Galloway committee report, 4 April 2023
- Burial Strategy for Dumfries and Galloway consultation mandate, 4 April 2023
- Dumfries and Galloway Council funerals, burials and cremations webpage, including management rules for burial grounds
Contact us
If you need any help or further information, then, please contact one of the team at burialstrategyconsultation@dumgal.gov.uk
