FAMILIES of loved ones buried at Dunblane Cathedral are being urged to come forward after works have commenced on gravestones.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is currently undertaking works to stabilise, repair and re-erect gravestones at the iconic cathedral's main entrance.

Nearly 600 gravestones have been inspected at the 12th century cathedral, with some 130 to date identified as dangerous and requiring repair.

Responsibility for the maintenance of memorials lies primarily with the lair owner or family and HES is appealing to owners to come forward to help progress the repair programme.

Jessica Hunnisett, district surveyor at HES, said: "We're pleased to be able to start work on repairing some of the gravestones within Dunblane Cathedral.

"We are prioritising memorials which pose the greatest risk and those which affect access to the cathedral.

"We know that the community is very keen for access to be reinstated and owners who are concerned that their memorials may be affected are encouraged to come forward and discuss how we can assist them in progressing repairs."

HES is prioritising stabilisation works to memorials posing the greatest risk to the public and some access restrictions are currently in place for health and safety reasons until repairs are completed.

Families with plots affected by safety closures are urged to contact HES at memorials@hes.scot or call 01786 823388 to discuss the condition of the memorial and arrange repairs if necessary.