North-east residents have been told the sale of a cemetery lodge will not affect funeral provision in their community.
New Deer cemetery lodge, a boarded-up building within the graveyard, has lain empty for years.
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And Aberdeenshire Council has now listed the property for sale at offers over £70,000.
However, some members of the public have voiced concerns that if a buyer moves into the property, it could have an impact on mourners and the condition of the site.
One said: “I’m worried it might remove the respect, the peacefulness and the privacy that I associate with a cemetery.
“Your have to walk past the door to gain access to the garden which is full of gravestones which seems wrong.
“Yes, they would be aware they are living within a cemetery and there will be funerals, but would they be notified each time?
“Would you like your loved one’s final journey to be interrupted by home owners?”
Other people highlighted the fact the property listing states: “The property requires complete refurbishment. Alternatively it may be possible to redevelop the site with a new house, subject to necessary consents.”
They are concerned that renovation work could turn the graveyard into a building site and disrupt funerals.
But councillors are confident that the sale of the lodge will not disturb these activities.
Central Buchan councillor Norman Smith has told residents there will be limited disruption.
He said: “We’ve got the same issue in cemeteries all over the place – in Peterhead, there are people living right next to the graveyard.
“I can understand the fears, but I think you would need to be a special type of person before you want to stay there anyway.
“It could even be good as it may deter vandalism if someone is living there.
“It has been empty for years, so it’s good to think it might be used again soon.”
Local councillor Jim Ingram said: “There will be no difference from when an officer or gravedigger lived there.
“It should be welcome news to see empty houses [being brought] back into occupation as there is a housing crisis.
“The problem is becoming astronomical and there’s a dire need for more housing in the area.
“I’ve been very critical of the council, so it’s good to see this up for sale for hopefully a normal occupancy.”
