Man had to be buried three times after grave size mix up
A man had to be buried in front of mourners at the third attempt because his grave was dug too small.
A man had to be buried in front of mourners at the third attempt because his grave was dug too small.
A JCB digger had to be brought in to create a new burial plot for Alex Dickson during the service at Lambhill Cemetery in Glasgow in October.
The 65-year-old's sister, Phyllis Forbes, told the Scottish Sun that the coffin could only be partially lowered into the ground because of a mix-up over the size.
After two attempts to lower the coffin, the family and mourners were sent away in cars to another part of the cemetery while workers dug a new plot.
Ms Forbes told the paper: It was so undignified. As we lowered Alex into the grave his coffin suddenly would not go any further.
It was only about halfway in and we had to pull him back up again. I couldn't believe it.
Saying goodbye once is heart-breaking enough, but having to do it three times is unimaginable.''
Glasgow City Council, which runs the cemetery, said the family would not be charged for the service.
A spokeswoman said: We understand the distress felt by Mr Dickson's family. Unfortunately there are instances where ground conditions and other factors may have an impact on interments.
The family did not receive the service expected and will not be charged by the council.''
The funeral had been organised with Co-operative Funeralcare.
A spokeswoman said: We recognise the upset caused to Mr Dickson's family. We regularly work with Glasgow City Council and have followed the agreed process.
We can confirm that the coffin measurements we provided to the council were accurate, were stipulated on the agreed form and were provided in time.''