John Lamont, Scottish Conservative Candidate for Roxburgh and Berwickshire has written to the Chief Executive of Scottish Borders Council to find out whether the Council would consider sponsoring a feasibility study for a new local crematorium in the Borders. There is currently no crematorium between Newcastle and Edinburgh. John has been contacted by a number of local residents about this, including local parish ministers.
John said "I have been contacted by a number of local residents who have highlighted the problems they have faced as a result of the Borders not having its own crematorium."
"I am aware that burial sites in the Borders are becoming full and, in general, there is an increasing tendency to favour cremation rather than burial. I am also aware that for many, particularly the elderly, it is difficult to travel to the nearest existing crematoria in Edinburgh."
"This was brought home to one particular constituent when he attended a cremation service in Edinburgh which was attended by a handful of people whereas the memorial service held in the Borders was attended by over 400 mourners. The problem is not so much with the immediate family who travel to Edinburgh but rather with the friends and associates who find it difficult because of frailty or time to make the journey to pay their last respects."
John added "I have written to the Chief Executive at Scottish Borders Council to establish whether they will consider carrying out a feasibility study to establish whether the building of a crematorium in the Borders is a project which they may be prepared to support. I believe it would have the support of the vast majority of local people."