Works begin at Inverness Crem in emissions upgrade project

Highland Council has announced that construction work began at Inverness Crematorium yesterday (5 January) as part of a project to replace and upgrade its cremators to meet new UK government emissions standards. 

The works form part of a wider refurbishment programme that will also include improvements to chapel facilities and the construction of a new extension to house modern cremators and associated abatement systems. 

As part of the scheme, the small chapel will be refurbished to better accommodate direct cremations and smaller services. The main chapel will also be upgraded, including the installation of a new catafalque and refurbishment of the committal area. The council said the construction programme will be phased to allow services to continue throughout the project.

Service capacity will be reduced during the refurbishment. Chapel services will be limited to three per day, scheduled at 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00, while the number of direct cremation slots will increase. At certain stages, the overall number of cremations may be restricted to five per day. Funeral directors have been informed of the temporary arrangements.

The project is expected to be completed by late 2026, at which point full operational capacity will be restored.

Cllr Graham MacKenzie, chair of Highland Council’s communities and place committee, said: “The Cremator Replacement Project at Inverness Crematorium is a major initiative aimed at meeting forthcoming UK Government emission standards, upgrading to modern and more efficient cremators and improving the overall quality of service facilities.

“We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation during this essential project, which will ensure ongoing high quality facilities to the public and continuing compliance with environmental standards.”