Charity Plans New Islamic Cemetery in Scotland to Serve Muslim Community for a Century

Charity Plans New Islamic Cemetery in Scotland to Serve Muslim Community for a Century
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An Edinburgh-based charity has submitted plans to establish a new Islamic cemetery in Midlothian, Scotland, designed to provide burial space for around 5,000 graves and meet the needs of the region’s growing Muslim community for up to 100 years.

The Wafaa Foundation has applied for planning permission to develop the cemetery on land between Kingsgate and Lothian Bridge in Newbattle. According to the proposal, the first phase would include space for more than 2,000 graves, with additional areas reserved for approximately 3,000 future burials.

The foundation estimates that the site could accommodate around 50 burials annually for a century, helping address what it describes as increasing challenges faced by Muslim families in securing suitable burial spaces that allow funerals to be conducted according to Islamic traditions.

Project documents state that the cemetery would also enable families to be buried together in a dedicated location, rather than being separated across different council-managed cemeteries in surrounding areas.

The planned development includes a funeral services building, burial management facilities, and parking areas. Access would be provided through the historic King’s Gate, a Grade B listed structure. The land is currently owned by Lothian Estates, with a transfer of ownership to the Wafaa Foundation expected if planning approval is granted.

The proposal is now under review by Midlothian Council, which will decide whether the cemetery project can proceed.