Water has been discovered leaking into graves at the heart of South Ayrshire's biggest burial ground.
Ayrshire Live can reveal that water has been found inside a number of chambers beneath the ground at Ayr Cemetery.
Earlier this month, Ayrshire Live told how South Ayrshire Council had launched a probe following concerns around the state of tombs under the surface.
Bosses have now admitted their worst fears have been confirmed – with water found inside the inspected chambers.
A large area of the cemetery's extension is currently fenced off from public view as painstaking examinations take place.
Water has been drained from the graves in question – but council chiefs now face a headache over what to do next with the chambers.
Ayrshire Live understands a number of options are under consideration with specialist engineers being drafted in to consult on the next step.
A council spokesperson said: "The investigation at Ayr Cemetery extension has found water ingress in the inspected chambers.
"These chambers were installed by external contractors on the basis that they were watertight and airtight, and all appropriate permissions were obtained to satisfy statutory requirements.
"The water within inspected chambers has now been removed and all access holes have been sealed. Families who had a chamber inspected have been individually notified of the outcome.
"The cause of the ingress is being investigated by both the specialist who undertook the inspections and a specialist civil engineering consultant.
"Once we have received the analysis and the reports from the consultants we will know if further investigatory works are required, and we will liaise directly with families with regards to the proposed remedial action."
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