Shetland Islands Council governs the Shetland archipelago – over 100 islands some 100 miles north of the Scottish mainland. The council maintains 64 cemeteries and churchyards across the islands. Fees are for the 2026/27 financial year. Non-residents pay around 50% more than residents on every lair and interment fee.
Lair purchase
| Lair type | Resident | Non-resident |
|---|---|---|
| Double depth lair | £878 | £1,316 |
| Single depth lair | £439 | £658 |
| Cremation casket lair | £397 | £596 |
Burial and interment fees
| Service | Resident | Non-resident |
|---|---|---|
| Standard burial | £817 | £1,239 |
| Weekend or holiday surcharge (additional) | £270 | £270 |
| Cremated remains interment | £370 | £598 |
| Weekend or holiday surcharge – cremation (additional) | £135 | £135 |
| Children up to 17 years | Free | Free |
Memorial and administrative fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Memorial permit | £117 |
| Low plaque/tablet permit | £85 |
| Memorialisation plaque (10-year lease) | £409 |
| Plaque replacement with lettering | £205 |
| Record search (after 15 minutes) | £35 |
| Lair transfer | £35 |
| Assisted lair selection surcharge | £108 |
Exhumation
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Lair test dig | £270 |
| Full coffin exhumation | £4,345 |
| Cremated remains casket exhumation | £2,042 |
Fees verified 2026-08-12, fee year 2026/27. Source: Shetland Islands Council – burial services.
About Shetland Islands burial grounds
Shetland Islands Council maintains 64 cemeteries and churchyards across the main island and outer isles, including Unst, Yell, Fetlar, and Fair Isle. Island context affects funeral logistics significantly. For burial enquiries, contact the council’s registration service.