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ARTICLE · 14 NOVEMBER 2024

Green Burials. The Most Environmentally Friendly Option – Until It Isn't

Shepherd and Wedderburn
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A legal perspective of green burials. Providing insight into potential disputes regarding environmental and property issues.

GlobalEnvironment
Stephanie Hepburn
Stephanie Hepburn
Campbell Kershaw
Campbell Kershaw
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A legal perspective of green burials. Providing insight into potential disputes regarding environmental and property issues.

Green burials are an increasingly popular option in Scotland as more individuals seek environmentally friendly alternatives for end-of-life arrangements. They often take place in woodland areas, and we are aware of at least ten local authority woodland/meadow burial sites, and nine privately run woodland burial sites in Scotland. However, they may be opposed if there are concerns regarding the location of the site and about the potential risk of water and soil contamination. This article looks at the legal position in Scotland and at some of the factors that must be borne in mind if there is a desire to use land for green burials. [A1]

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