FAMILIES in the Borders are being warned that gravestones face being toppled – if they are classed as unsafe by Scottish Borders Council.

The local authority is carrying out safety checks at cemeteries across the region in a bid to make them safer.

But previous inspections in Berwickshire, which led to many headstones being laid flat, were described as ‘vandalism’ by upset family members.

Over the next few months a further 18 cemeteries will be inspected.

And if the memorial is adjudged to be a danger to the public by the inspection team it will be cordoned off and laid flat.

Or it will be sunk further into the ground to prevent any possibility of toppling.

The scheme has been met with mixed reactions across the Borders.
Earlier this year one visitor to Coldingham cemetery described it as “official vandalism” and said it would “mess with people’s emotions”.

But council bosses say the work is vital.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison, SBC’s executive member for neighbourhoods and locality services, told us: “We know how important cemeteries are to communities and families which is why it is vital we make sure these public places are safe.

“The council is fully aware that this is a sensitive matter and will ensure the work is undertaken with due respect and only where absolutely necessary.”

Signage warning of ongoing inspections is to be placed at each affected cemetery, while posters and leaflets will be handed out in local communities.

A dedicated webpage has also been set up – so members of the public can check when work is to be carried out.

If a headstone is deemed to be unsafe, families can contact the local authority and arrange to repair it themselves.

Councillor Aitchison added: “This is a big programme of inspections, with around 17,500 of the 90,000 headstones in our cemeteries being tested, and as a result we have tried to let as many people know as possible.
“I would encourage anyone who is seeking more information to visit our website for further details.”

The webpage will show the progress of the project – which will begin on Monday, September 24, at Earlston Old Cemetery.
For more information, visit: http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/headstonetesting