Kilwinning: Redston Cemetery opened with dedication ceremony

The Redston Cemetery is the first new facility of its kind the council has opened in a decade, and it has been created on a new site.

It is situated just off the B778 road in Kilwinning, a short distance past the entrace to Hazeldene Park on the opposite side of the road.

There are 259 lairs in the cemetery – 235 standard burial lairs and 24 for ashes only.

North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson performed the official opening alongside Councillor Tony Gurney and invited guests, including local members of the clergy.

In a nod to local heritage, the graveyard has been named after a former farm in the area and it is expected offer enough capacity for an initial ten years, with potential for expansion.

Councillor Gurney welcomed everyone to the ceremony and scripture readings followed from Susan Hill, from Kilwinning Congregational Church, and Reverend Hilary Beresford, from Mansfield Trinity Church.

The dedication of the cemetery and a prayer of dedication were said by Pastor Logan Heeke, of Kilwinning Evangelical Church and Bridge Church Pastor David McLaughlin.

RB Steele Funeral Directors’ representative Ruth McGready then read a poem before Provost Dickson delivered the civic opening ceremony and unveiled a plaque.

Councillor Gurney said: “It was a very touching and important ceremony.

“This new council cemetery will give bereaved and grieving residents somewhere to come and mourn their loved ones and reflect on their lives for years to come.

“It is a peaceful space, which is central for people to attend services and pay their respects to people they have lost.”