North Ayrshire burial lairs now only last 25 years

Last updated 12 August 2026

North Ayrshire Council covers the mainland coast north of Ayr and the islands of Arran, Great Cumbrae, and Little Cumbrae. Fees are effective from 1 April 2026.

Under the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016, any right of burial bought on or after 1 March 2026 now lasts 25 years from the date it’s granted, rather than indefinitely. After that, the council can extend it in further 10-year blocks on application, with no limit on renewals – but the council must contact the right holder at least three months before the term ends. This doesn’t apply retrospectively to lairs bought before 1 March 2026.

Lair purchase

Lair typeFee
Standard exclusive right of burial (25-year lease)£1,044
Cremated remains only lair£573
Woodland area lair£1,044
Under 18 and babyFree

Burial and interment fees

ServiceWeekdaySaturday or public holiday
Standard adult interment£979£1,469
Cremated remains interment£277£415
Interment in common ground£307

Saturday and public holiday rate is a 50% surcharge on the weekday fee. Disinterments: £1,180. Memorial foundation: £214.

Memorial and administrative fees

ServiceFee
Memorial permit (VAT inclusive)£63.60
Memorial bench plaquePrice on request
Duplicate title deeds£25
Transfer title deeds£25

Under-18 memorial foundation and permit charges are waived.

Fees verified 2026-08-12, effective 1 April 2026. Source: North Ayrshire Council – burial fees.

About North Ayrshire burial grounds

North Ayrshire Council maintains cemeteries across Irvine, Kilwinning, Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Largs, and on the Isle of Arran. For burial arrangements, visit north-ayrshire.gov.uk.