Arranging a burial

Glossary of Terms

lair - burial plot
present lair holder - the person who currently owns the lair (this person may be deceased)
memorial stone or monument - headstone
interment - the act of placing a body or cremated remains into a lair (burial)

Burial Services

Contact the Bereavement Office if you wish to discuss any of the following in relation to East Lothian cemeteries:

burial arrangements
interment of cremated remains
transfer of lair ownership
queries about cemetery management or maintenance

You can contact the team by emailing bereavement@eastlothian.gov.uk or by booking an appointment at John Muir House, Haddington during office hours which are Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 12.30pm.

Please note we offer an appointment only service. If you would like to see a member of the Bereavement Team in person, please call or email to make an appointment. We may not be able to see you without an appointment.

Amenity Services are responsible for the maintenance of all cemeteries and burial grounds in East Lothian. In partnership with the Council's Bereavement Team, we ensure a courteous, professional, and respectful burial service for all families.

Burial Times

Monday to Thursday 10:30am and 1pm
Friday 10am
any burial or interment service requested outside normal operating hours will be at the discretion of East Lothian Council and will incur an additional charge

Lair Decorations Policy

To maintain the safety and dignity of our cemeteries, please observe the following guidelines:

items not permitted
- glass containers, alcoholic beverages, battery or solar-powered items that generate music or noise, and any items that may pose a hazard to visitors or staff are not permitted. Any such items will be removed at any time by the Council.
fresh flowers may be placed on the grass following a funeral. These will be removed 14 days after the burial as part of routine maintenance.
Christmas wreaths are permitted on graves; however, they will be removed by the end of January to maintain the appearance and safety of the cemetery.
East Lothian Council does not accept responsibility for the loss or damage of decorations, secondary monuments, flower vases, or any other markers placed on the lair.

Funeral Directors

Funeral directors work closely with East Lothian Council and are fully informed about the management of our burial grounds. They are best placed to guide you through the necessary processes and provide support when the need arises.