Moray Council’s new Elgin cemetery to open by early 2027

Moray Council has announced that construction of Elgin’s new Linkwood Cemetery has been completed, providing long-term burial space for the area commencing early 2027. 

The 5.6-hectare site, located off Linkwood Road and Hallowood Road, was identified through the local development plan as a replacement for the existing cemetery.

Delivered by contractor Pat Munro, the development includes new internal access roads, parking, pedestrian pathways and extensive landscaping.

According to the council, the site will not open immediately as time is needed for sown grass to establish and for the ground to settle naturally. As part of the project, more than 1,000 trees will be planted alongside shrubs and wildflowers to enhance biodiversity across the site.

The contractor will remain on site until December 2026 to oversee a 12-month maintenance period for the newly landscaped areas.

Linkwood Cemetery will be in use by early 2027, at which point the existing Elgin Cemetery will close to new burials.

Coffin lairs with remaining capacity, alongside Muslim, infant and ashes burials, will continue at the existing cemetery for several years.

Marc Macrae, chair of Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee, said: “The completion of construction at Elgin’s new cemetery marks a significant milestone for the community. 

“This development ensures we have the capacity to meet future needs while providing a peaceful and dignified environment for families to remember their loved ones.”