The council has rejected a call for a memorial wall in a Kelso cemetery, stating a ‘compelling business case’ needs to be established.
Community councillor John King made the initial suggestion, which was taken up with SBC by ward councillor Alec Nicol.
Mr King suggested a wall in the new cemetery could be used to afix plaques in memory of those from the town, or with the links to it, who have been cremated.
He added that a memorial garden could be formed where urns containing ashes could be laid.
However, an SBC spokesman said: “Following discussions with the Borders Crematorium and local funeral directors it became clear that the vast majority of people who choose cremation have made provision for friends and family to scatter their ashes at a chosen beauty spot or location which was special to them and their relatives.
“The council believes a compelling business case would need to be developed to justify the investment, administration and maintenance of a local memorial facility which, based on the current position, is unlikely.”
He added that the option to inter cremated remains in cemeteries, and in some cases in smaller plots, is available.