East Lothian Council is responsible for 37 burial grounds across the county, making it one of Scotland’s most comprehensive burial ground networks relative to population. The council applies distinct out-of-area rates for both lairs and interments.
Lair purchase
| Lair type | In area | Out of area |
|---|---|---|
| Coffin lair | £1,170 | £1,754 |
| Cremated remains lair | £512 | £768 |
Reissue or replacement of a lair certificate costs £88.
Burial and interment fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult interment (weekday) | £1,100 |
| Adult interment (Friday after 10:30am or Saturday) | £1,649 |
| Adult interment (Sunday or public holiday) | £2,200 |
| Cremated remains interment (weekday) | £287 |
| Cremated remains interment (Saturday) | £431 |
| Cremated remains interment (Sunday or public holiday) | £574 |
| Test dig a lair | £350 |
Out-of-area interment attracts an additional surcharge (approximately £1,100 for adult coffin burials).
Memorial and search fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Memorial foundation, charged on application to erect | £237 |
| Memorial maintenance | £159 |
| Search of records for family history or title deeds (1 hour minimum) | £56 |
Memorial stone fees are subject to VAT at the current rate. Any service outside normal hours is at the council’s discretion and may incur a higher charge.
Fees verified 2026-08-12. Source: East Lothian Council – burial ground charges.
About East Lothian burial grounds
East Lothian Council manages 37 burial grounds across the county east of Edinburgh, serving communities from Musselburgh and Prestonpans along the coast to Haddington, Dunbar, and North Berwick. For burial enquiries, email bereavement@eastlothian.gov.uk or attend the Bereavement Office at John Muir House, Haddington.