Prestwick Airport earmarked as 'temporary body storage facility'
All three Ayrshire Councils have agreed the site as part of contingency coronavirus plans.
Last updated 16th Apr 2020
An aircraft hangar near Prestwick Airport is being set up as a temporary mortuary in case of a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus related deaths in Ayrshire.
Local authorities across Scotland have been identifying suitable venues including disused warehouses and constructing their own dedicated buildings.
A joint statement from North, East and South Ayrshire Councils says, "As part of our contingency measures in relation to COVID-19, we have taken an all Ayrshire approach to facilitate a temporary body storage facility adjacent to Prestwick Airport.
“The three Ayrshire Councils are in regular contact with the NHS and Funeral Directors across the region to assess their capacity to manage any additional deaths throughout this period.
"The Prestwick facility will only be used in the event that Funeral Directors can no longer manage any additional deaths.”
Earlier today it was confirmed 503 people have now tested positive for Covid-19 in Ayrshire and Arran.