BEREAVED families in West Fife could be set for a shock bill after Fife Council admitted there could be a "small number" who had not been advised of a reoccurring lease for memorial plaques.

Since 1990, a10-year lease system has been in operation for the plaques in gardens of remembrance in Dunfermline Crematoria and elsewhere in Fife but there have been concerns recently that this has not been communicated to some of those who have purchased them.

Avril Guild, Fife Council lead officer (bereavement services), said such schemes were now common practice across Scotland.

She explained: “We write to families when a memorial lease is due for renewal and give them the option to renew the lease for a further 10 years for a small charge. If families do not wish to renew the lease the memorial is removed and can be collected by the family.

“The lease system is essential to allow us to provide a memorial option to everyone, now and in the future, whilst conserving a peaceful setting in the gardens of remembrance for families to visit.

“It has come to our attention that a small number of families may not have been advised of the system when they ordered their plaque, and we’re in the process of checking all our records. 

"We won’t send any more renewal letters until we’ve finished that work and can be sure that we’re contacting families appropriately.”