Moray Council to begin work on new Elgin cemetery this month
The first burial area is expected to be completed by December 2026, with the full site operational by spring 2027
Moray Council is set to start building a new cemetery in Elgin at the end of July, replacing the existing site on Linkwood Road which is nearly full.
The 5.6-hectare site, located off Linkwood Road and Hallowood Road, was identified in the Local Development Plan as suitable for the replacement. It covers an area equivalent to almost eight football pitches.
The development will include internal access roads, parking, a pedestrian path and extensive landscaping.
Around 35 trees will be removed to create access routes and improve visibility, but the council said felled and fallen wood would be retained as wildlife habitats. Plans include planting more than 1,000 new trees, as well as shrubs and wildflowers, to enhance biodiversity.
Construction will be carried out by Pat Munro Ltd and delivered in phases. The first burial area is expected to be completed by December 2026, with the full site operational by spring 2027. At that stage, lairs at the existing cemetery are expected to close to new burials, though Muslim, infant and ashes burials will continue there for several years.
Cllr Marc Macrae, chair of Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee, said: “This development reflects Moray Council’s commitment to sustainable planning, community wellbeing, and environmental stewardship.
“We extend our thanks to all stakeholders and community members who contributed to the planning process and look forward to delivering a facility that will serve Elgin for generations to come.”
