A cremation memorial can be as simple as a name added to a family headstone, or a small granite marker, plaque or vase over interred ashes. Where ashes were scattered, families often add a name to an existing family stone. What's possible depends on the cemetery, and we confirm its rules before anything is designed.
What are the options for a cremation memorial?
A cremation doesn't mean going without a place to visit. There are several ways to mark someone's life, and the right one depends on where the ashes are, what the family would like, and what the cemetery allows. The main options are:
- Adding an inscription to an existing family headstone, where the ashes are interred in the family lair.
- A small cremation memorial in granite, made for a cremation lair or ashes plot.
- A lawn marker, a low stone set flush or nearly flush with the grass.
- A plaque or engraved vase, on its own or as part of a small memorial.
- A name added to a family stone in memory of someone whose ashes were scattered elsewhere.
- A crematorium's own memorial scheme, where the ashes rest in its garden of remembrance.
Can ashes be interred in an existing family grave?
Often, yes. Many families choose to inter ashes in a family lair, so that someone rests alongside a husband, wife or parent. Lairs that no longer have space for a full burial can sometimes still take ashes, though this depends on the cemetery and the lair itself.
The interment is arranged through the council's bereavement services, and the lair holder, or someone with their authority, will need to agree to it. If you aren't sure who holds the lair, our guide to lair certificates and burial rights explains how to find out.
Once the ashes are interred, the name and dates can usually be added to the existing headstone. We letter the new inscription to match the style of the old one as closely as we can, in gilt or silver, by hand. If the stone is full, a small plaque or an engraved vase on the plinth can carry the name instead. Our guide to adding an inscription to a headstone goes into more detail.
What does a small cremation memorial look like?
Many cemeteries have areas set aside for cremated remains, where each plot is smaller than a full lair. Memorials for these plots are smaller too, but they can be every bit as considered as a full headstone.
Cremation memorials come in the same granites as our headstones: polished black, Vizac Blue, tropical green and rustic Scottish granite. Common designs include:
- A small upright headstone, often with a rounded or ogee top.
- A book or open bible, set at an angle so the inscription reads easily.
- A heart, single or double.
- A flat or sloping tablet, sometimes with a vase at one end.
You can see some of these, along with lawn markers, in the markers and cremation memorials section of our memorials page. Sizes and styles are set by each cemetery, so we check what your cemetery permits first.
Are plaques and vases suitable for ashes?
Yes, and they are among the most popular choices. A polished granite plaque can be lettered with a name, dates and a short line of words, and can sit on the ground, on a plinth or on an existing memorial. A granite vase, engraved with a name, gives a place for flowers and a small, lasting mark of remembrance.
These are especially useful where space is limited, or where a family would like something alongside an existing stone rather than a separate memorial. You can see examples in our plaques and vases section.
What if the ashes were scattered?
Many people choose to have their ashes scattered somewhere that meant a great deal to them: a hillside, a garden, the sea. Families sometimes find later that they would still like a place to visit with a name on it.
One of the most common answers is to add the name to an existing family headstone. An inscription can be worded simply, such as "and in loving memory of", followed by the name and dates, without any suggestion that the person is buried there. Some families add a short line saying where the ashes were scattered.
Whether a memorial can be placed in a cemetery for someone whose ashes are not interred there depends on the cemetery and the council. We confirm the position for your cemetery before any wording is agreed.
What about memorials at a crematorium?
Most crematoria have their own gardens of remembrance, and many run their own memorial schemes. These might include entries in a book of remembrance, small plaques, or dedicated areas for memorials. They are arranged directly with the crematorium, which sets its own options, prices and terms.
If the ashes are resting at a crematorium but you would also like a name on a family stone elsewhere, both can usually be done. They aren't either or.
Do cremation memorials need a permit?
Yes. In council cemeteries, a permit is needed for a new cremation memorial, a plaque or vase, and an additional inscription on an existing stone, in the same way as for a full headstone. The lair holder's agreement is part of the application.
We prepare and submit the permit application for you, and the council's fee is included in our price, along with the stone, all lettering, the vase, delivery and VAT. You can read more about how permits work in our guide to cemetery rules around Glasgow.
Visit our display yard
There is no rule that says a cremation memorial should be smaller, simpler or less considered than a headstone. Some families want something very quiet: a name on a family stone and nothing more. Others would like a memorial of its own. Both are right.
If it helps to see the options side by side, a visit to the yard can make it much clearer. Many people find that seeing the stones in person, and running a hand over the lettering, settles decisions that felt difficult on paper.
You're welcome to come and look around our display yard at 5 Crosshill Road, Bishopbriggs, G64 2PZ, by Strathkelvin Retail Park. There's parking at the yard, and no appointment is needed. If you'd rather talk first, call us on 0141 762 3733 or send us a message, and we'll talk through what's possible for the cemetery you have in mind.
Questions families often ask
Can more than one set of ashes go in the same lair?
Often, yes, depending on the lair and the cemetery's rules. The council can confirm how much space remains.
Can the lettering on a cremation memorial match an existing family stone?
Yes. We hand letter in gilt or silver and can match the style of an existing inscription as closely as possible.
Is a cremation memorial cheaper than a headstone?
Smaller memorials generally cost less, but it depends on the granite, design and lettering. Our price always includes lettering, the vase, delivery, the permit fee and VAT.
Written by Charles Lipton, third-generation memorial mason with forty years in the trade. The Lipton family has made and cared for memorials across Glasgow since 1927. Read our story.