Argyll and Bute Council has resorted to using pesticides to kill rabbits which have been digging up bones from graves in a Hebridean island.
It comes two weeks after the bones were seen at the old section of Kilnaughton Cemetery outside the village of Port Ellen on Islay by Douglas Johnston-Smith, 40, of Prestonpans, whose family are originally from the island.
Now aluminium phosphide, often used in tablet form to tackle vermin, is being deployed deep into each burrow to eradicate the problem.
A council spokesman said that this is the first time chemicals have been used at the cemetery, which it is understood has been plagued with a rabbit problem for years.
Before each deployment, a thorough survey of the area is carried out to account for public footpaths, presence of livestock and dogs.
Once the chemical is used and the holes are filled, a final survey is carried out to ensure the area is safe, and the site is monitored for up to an hour before they leave.
Florence Grey, the postmistress at Port Ellen, whose late husband is buried in the adjacent new cemetery, said: “I would certainly not like to see any rabbit holes in the new cemetery.
“I think they are dealing with the problem as best they can. It may be upsetting for some people but the rabbits do what they do and I think the council are maybe running out of options. It’s a shame that they have got to use chemicals but something has to be done.”
“The rabbits are everywhere. It’s an ongoing problem because the cemetery is by the machair, and it’s a sandy soil and easy for them to dig.”