We are committed to the sensitive and respectful care of all those entrusted to us. Our policies and processes for infant cremation are in line with the latest guidance on infant cremation. We follow the recommendations of Lord Bonomy's Infant Cremation Commission (June 2014 Scotland).
You can read the recommendations on gov.scot.
In line with this guidance our ashes policy is set out below. This is supported by the:
- Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA)
- Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM)
- Cremation Society of Great Britain (CSGB) and the Association of Private Crematoria and Cemeteries (APCC)
Definition of ashes
We consider cremated remains and ashes to be one and the same thing. This is in line with Lord Bonomy's recommendations. We agree that ashes are what remain in the cremator after the cremation process is complete and any metal has been removed.
Return of ashes
Our approach to the cremation of babies and infants is designed to maximise the recovery of ashes. This includes:
- the use of a cremation tray designed to retain ashes where practical
- maintaining the operational conditions to reduce the loss of ashes during cremation
We will follow best practice, using specialist computer programmes and metal trays. Our staff will be vigilant during the cremation process and make changes to operational conditions when needed. This is to protect the ashes and maximises their recovery.
Disposal of ashes
In the case of a private cremation, we will only act upon written instruction. This will come from either:
- the parent acting as the applicant for cremation
- another person nominated in writing by the parent
For shared cremations, we will follow the written instructions given by the designated person at the hospital, acting as the applicant.
Ashes can be held for a period of up to 3 months. A charge is made after 28 days. If we have not received written instructions for disposal after 3 months, we are permitted to disperse the ashes within the grounds
In this situation, we will write to the applicant twice. The first letter will give notice of 14 days to contact us. The last and final letter will give a further 7 days. After this, the ashes will be scattered in the grounds according to crematorium regulations.
Disposal of metals
We take part in the ICCM's Recycling of Metals Scheme.
The purpose of this scheme is to protect our environment and conserve resources. We follow existing legislation and process metals in a sensitive manner. We share profits from recycling metals among local charities.
We will ask the applicant to sign a consent form on the Notice of Cremation about the disposal of metals. If the applicant wishes to dispose of the metals themselves, they can tell us on the Notice of Cremation. The funeral director will arrange this.
Record keeping
All cremations of babies and infants will be registered at the crematorium. We will keep all information given in forms and certificates indefinitely. This may be in electronic form.
If ashes are scattered or buried within the grounds of the crematorium, the final resting place will be recorded.
We will keep a record of the person authorised by the applicant to collect the ashes, along with the date of collection.
This policy is designed to provide an audit trail from the receipt of initial funeral instructions to the final disposal of ashes. The disposal of ashes is defined as collection from the crematorium, or by scattering or burial within the confines of the grounds.
More information
If you have any questions or queries about the cremation of your baby, you can speak a member of the crematorium team.