Elham Asaad Buaras
Plans for a dedicated Muslim cemetery capable of providing more than 2,000 burial plots have been submitted to Midlothian Council, following a search for suitable Muslim burial space that dates to 2013.
The Edinburgh-based WAFA Foundation has applied for planning permission for the cemetery on land between the historic King’s Gate and Lothian Bridge at Newbattle, near Dalkeith.
The planning application was received by Midlothian Council on August 12 and validated on August 24. It proposes changing agricultural land to a cemetery, constructing funeral buildings, creating access and car parking, and altering an existing stone boundary wall.
The proposal could provide more than 2,000 burial plots, with additional land potentially allowing a further 3,000 plots in the future. The applicants estimate around 50 burials a year, giving the initial cemetery capacity for approximately 100 years.
The proposal follows efforts by Scottish Muslim Funeral Services, founded in 2013, to work with local authorities across Edinburgh and the Lothians to identify and secure suitable burial plots for the region’s growing Muslim population.
The organisation says finding readily available plots has become increasingly difficult, particularly because Islamic funeral practices require burial as soon as possible after death.
The cemetery would allow Muslim families to be buried together rather than being separated across different council-run cemeteries.
The land is currently owned by Lothian Estates. WAFA says the site has been acquired subject to the necessary consents and that the charity would own and operate the cemetery if planning permission is granted.
The development would include two modest funeral buildings, including mortuary and prayer facilities, as well as new car parking.
The proposed entrance would be through the historic King’s Gate, a Category B-listed archway built in the early 19th century for King George IV’s visit to Newbattle Abbey in 1822.
At an estimated 50 burials a year, the applicants say the initial cemetery could serve the Lothians’ Muslim community for around a century. The possible additional 3,000 plots are a future expansion, rather than part of the initial 2,000-plus plots proposed.
Midlothian Council will now assess the application, including the proposed buildings, access, parking, boundary alterations and use of the historic King’s Gate.
