FAQ's: Funerals

• Are graveside decorations allowed? Graves are intended to have a memorial at the head only. To allow them to be neatly mown, obstructions should not be placed on the grass area. Kerb edging, fences, windmills, toys, pot plants…
• Can I purchase a lair for cremated remains? Yes. Cremated remains lairs are available to be purchased within Knocknairshill Cemetery.  Like other lairs they can only be purchased for immediate use, at the time of a bereavement.
• Can I purchase a lair in Inverclyde cemeteries? Knocknairshill cemetery, which opened in 1994, is the only cemetery which has lairs available for purchase.
• Can I purchase a lair now for future use? Lairs can only be purchased for immediate use following a bereavement. However, at the time of a bereavement an adjacent lair can be purchased for future use - this will form a double lair. Th…
• Can I specify the precise location for my new lair? No. Due to operational requirements, only three lairs are available for purchase at any one time.
• Can more information be obtained concerning burial and, if required, can a cemetery or churchyard be visited by members of the public? The matters referred to may be discussed in more details with the Burial Grounds Officer who also acts as the Registrar of the burial grounds. He will be pleased to answer any further question…
• Can more information be obtained concerning cremation and, if required, can a crematorium be visited by members of the public? The matters referred to may be discussed in more details with the Burial Ground Officer who also acts as the Registrar of the crematorium. The Registrar will be pleased to answer any further q…
• Do relatives need to decide before the funeral about the disposal of cremated remains? The Funeral Director will discuss with the relatives the alternative arrangements which may be adopted for the disposal of cremated remains. It is likely that a Form of Authority will require …
• How do I make Funeral Arrangements? When a death occurs, it is one of the most traumatic and stressful times of our lives, especially for those who have to deal with making the funeral Arrangements. The Council work closely with…
• Is burial more expensive than cremation? Yes, generally the cost of burial is much higher. In addition to the charges for interment, a number of other fees for lair purchase and memorials may be incurred.
• Is the burial of a body governed by a code of ethics and working practices? Burial authorities who are members of the Institute of Burial and Cremation Administration are required to operate strictly in accordance with a Code of Practice for cemeteries which provides …
• Is there a difference between a lair and a grave? No. Lair is just another term for grave.
• Must a burial be associated with a religious ceremony? No. The family of the deceased can make any service arrangements they consider to be appropriate. If desired, no ceremony needs to take place at all. Memorial services can be conducted se…
• My family lair has already had three interments. Can I continue to use this lair for cremated remains? Yes, up to six cremated remains caskets can also be interred.
• What are the procedures at the crematorium on the day of the funeral? The cortège arrives at the crematorium and the coffin will be brought into the chapel followed by the mourners. The Crematorium Attendants will be on hand to direct people to their seat…
• What is the maximum number of interments permitted in a lair? A lair can accommodate up to three interments.
• Where are cremations carried out in Inverclyde? Cremations are carried out at: Greenock Crematorium 1 South Street Greenock PA16 8UG Phone (01475) 715658 Fax (01475) 730345
• Who is responsible for the memorial headstone? The Title Holder of the lair or his/her descendants are responsible for ensuring that the memorial remains in a safe condition and does not become a danger to themselves or other visitors to t…