That is the concern of South Ayrshire Council planners who are ploughing half a million into expanding the town’s cemetery.

Open green space is set to be swallowed up by the Holmston Road graveyard — clearing the way for more burial grounds and eight parking spaces.

The 1.7 hectare extension at Ayr Cemetery would sit to the east of the cemetery and provide an area for baby burials, cremated remains and additional plots.

Councillor Bill Grant said: “We need more space for graves in this large cemetery. It is a major investment but the land has been secured for many years. It is absolutely vital that we now plan for the future. And we want to get the extension right to make the environment pleasant for grieving families.

“We must do our best to offer our loved ones the dignity they deserve.” The extra land is under council ownership but will still go before councillors sitting on the regulatory panel for approval.

A planning application has been lodged and will be on decision makers’ agenda after the summer recess.

Councillor Ian Douglas said: “We are running out of space in Ayr so this extension needs to be carried out. This is the only cemetery in the town, afterall.” The site, which sits on a height, is full of mature trees.

Veterans from both major wars are also commemorated there and a war cross sits in the Old Ground near the main entrance.

Elsewhere, in Troon, the council is opting for above ground burials to cope with a vast shortage.