Works to repair and reinstate headstones in Abercorn Churchyard were postponed in September due to concerns around the sensitivity of the site i.e. unknown depth of historic interments may cause issues in relation to excavation to install/repair headstone foundations. Furthermore, there are signs of badger at the site. I write to advise that the council intend to apply suitable mitigation and resume works WC 9th November i.e. to repair and make safe headstones that failed safety inspections in July.
The council intend to reinstate approx. 40 headstones that have either been laid down or have security tape or inspection failure notifications attached to them. To reinstate these headstones in a safe condition, we need to replace headstone foundations. Headstone foundations would typically be approx.18 inches in depth (450mm) and be constructed below ground level. This may vary depending on headstones size and design. As this is a very old churchyard, there is a risk of remains being exposed when excavating at depth to construct foundations i.e. some historic graves may be at shallower than modern guidance depth, and subsidence caused by the weight of the historical headstones may bring foundations closer to burial depth. As such, the council havesought guidance from Scottish Government and the Scottish Burial Bereavement Group, to determine appropriate mitigation for the works. Furthermore, the council have sought advice from the Ecology and Biodiversity Team to agree appropriate mitigation in relation to the badger hole that is located within the boundary of the churchyard.
The council will implement the following mitigation during works.
· Restrict the foundation depth (below ground) to 300mm (with 100mm shuttered above ground and the foundation coloured to match the headstones if possible)
· remove no spoil from the churchyard i.e. all spoil to be interred in the lair associated with the headstone being reinstated
· cordon off a 30m perimeter around the badger hole, with no mechanical works to be undertaken within this perimeter.
The below message will display at the churchyard entrance to notify the public of works. We would appreciate your support in advising the community of our intensions.
Memorial Safety Inspections Works
The council have a 5-year rolling programme of inspection in place to inspect all the memorials in council cemeteries and churchyards as required by the Scottish Government.
West Lothian Council undertook memorial safety inspections of headstones in Abercorn Cemetery in July 2026.
Memorials that failed inspection have tape or notifications applied, and some have been laid flat in the interest of public safety.
The headstones of concern have come off their foundations and/or plinths, and/or securing pins may no longer be holding them in place or be absent. Such headstones are considered a public safety risk i.e. pushed/pulled over onto or fall on the pubic.
Any uncontrolled fall of a headstone may cause significant damage to the headstone.
Many of the headstones are of historic importance and date back centuries. As such, the council plan to reinstate approx. 40 headstones, with work commencing November 2026.
Please keep away from staff and machinery working in the cemetery and any areas cordoned off.
The council apologises for any distress or anxiety caused by this critical public safety work.
For more information on our ‘Headstone Stabilisation Inspection Programme’ please see our web page.
