General

How Direct Cremation Is Changing the Funeral Sector

A Fault Line Is Forming The Funeral Sector Is Changing, and Things Are Starting to Crack The old equilibrium The plates are shifting in the funeral sector, and I don’t think they are shifting back. Ask me ten years ago whether a crematorium would stock my memorial items and the answer would almost always have […]

What ashes mean - Arundhati Roy's Memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me

What Ashes Really Mean: A More Honest Way to Understand Grief

What Arundhati Roy’s Memoir says so brilliantly that allows the complex emotion of grief the space to breathe. I was walking our dog Mabel when Arundhati Roy stopped me in my tracks. I’d borrowed her memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me from my local library through BorrowBox — the kind of accidental discovery that reminds […]

carrying ashes on Singapore Airlines flight

Carrying ashes on a Singapore Airways flight: change of policy

Carrying Cremation Ashes on a Singapore Airlines Flight – The Current Position Explained Travelling with cremation ashes can be emotionally and practically challenging, so it’s vital to start with accurate, up-to-date information. Singapore Airlines is a good example of how airline policies can appear confusing — largely because older guidance is still widely quoted online. […]

Is Scattering Ashes without permission Illegal?

Is Scattering Ashes Without Permission Illegal? Yes! Well… err… maybe. Possibly. Every source on the internet says roughly the same thing: “You can’t scatter ashes on land without the landowner’s permission.” And that’s true — you can’t. But is it actually illegal? That’s where things get murky. English law loves a grey area, and this […]

The Value of Gruesome Gold

The Value of Gruesome Gold: What Happens to Gold Teeth After Cremation? “Can you take it with you?” — in this case, apparently yes, but not in the way you might think. Every now and then, the question arises — what happens to the gold in someone’s teeth after cremation?It’s one of those slightly ghoulish […]

Ideas for Ashes in the Garden

If you are looking for ideas for ashes in the garden – we can help. So firstly, you need to consider whether you want them contained in some way so they can be moved: either around the garden or should you need to move home. Or, if you want them incorporated into the garden. Should […]

Free Ashes Guide: What to do with ashes - guide

What to do with Ashes? 12 things to consider: VIDEO

What to Do with Ashes: 12 Things to Consider When you first receive the ashes of a loved one, it can feel overwhelming. Families often tell us they’re unsure what to do — and that’s completely normal. This short video highlights twelve important things to think about before deciding.The most important message? Don’t rush. You’ll […]

Wizz Air’s Ashes Policy

Carrying Cremation Ashes on a Wizz Air Flight Travelling with cremation ashes can feel daunting, and the key to avoiding unnecessary stress is getting things right before you arrive at the airport. If you are planning to take ashes on a flight with Wizz Air, here is what the airline’s published guidance allows — together […]

Who owns Cremation Ashes? What are my rights?

Who Owns Cremated Ashes? (Updated legal and practical guidance from Scattering Ashes) Who Owns Cremation Ashes? The short answer is: no one owns cremated ashes.Under UK law, a human body — before or after cremation — is not classed as property. That means you can’t technically own ashes in the same way you might own […]

What is a Scatter Tube?

What Is a Scatter Tube? A Simple Guide to Saying Goodbye Sustainably Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy. Many families now look for simpler, more environmentally friendly ways to honour a life well lived. One of the most popular options is a scatter tube – but what exactly is it, and how […]

No One Left to Scatter the Ashes? Let Us Help.

Support services for scattering ashes when family or friends can’t do it What happens when someone leaves a clear wish in their will to have their ashes scattered—but there’s no one left to do it? No family. No friends nearby. No one able to carry out those final instructions. It’s a situation that’s more common […]

don't use the royal mail for lots of ashes

Losing the Unthinkable: Why You Shouldn’t Post Ashes

A recent story has stuck sad chord with us at Scattering Ashes. A mother sent the ashes of her son in the post and they were lost by the Royal Mail Let’s be honest. This is one of those stories you read with a sinking heart. For those families, it’s not just the loss of […]

Service for Solicitors and Executors: Honouring Final Wishes When No One Else Can

At Scattering Ashes, we believe that everyone deserves a respectful and meaningful farewell, no matter their circumstances. That’s why we’re offer a service specifically for solicitors, will executors, and estate managers—for those occasions when someone’s final wish is to have their ashes scattered, but there’s no one left to carry it out. A Promise Made, […]

What Size Urn Do I Need?

Choosing the right size urn can feel confusing, especially when you’re grieving. But don’t worry – we’ve made it simple. Whether you’re keeping ashes at home, scattering them, or planning a water ceremony, you’ll need an urn with the right capacity. The general rule is: 1lb (0.45kg) of body weight = 1 cubic inch of […]

Scattering Ashes: A Question of Consideration

I’m not entirely sure what I think about opinion pieces in newspapers. If they align with my own views, I’ll probably nod along in considered agreement. If they don’t, I’ll shake my head and think, what a foolish person. So, my interest was piqued when an opinion piece from The Washington Post popped up on […]

Burying Cremation Ashes – A Compassionate Guide

A Compassionate guide to burying cremation ashes. Burying cremation ashes of a loved one is a deeply personal and meaningful way to honour their memory. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and considerations to ensure the process is handled with care and respect. Step 1: Choose the Perfect Location To start, decide […]

Who gets the ashes: funeral directors caught in the crossfire

Disputes Over Cremated Remains and the Challenges Facing Funeral Directors The law is not the most dynamic of tools, and legislation around cremation is certainly not at the top of Parliament’s agenda. Crucially, the law is not designed to decide the “right home” for cremated remains. Its primary concern is that ashes are disposed of […]

Splitting Ashes – What the UK Courts Say

One of the most common questions that comes into us at Scattering Ashes is: I want x or y to split the ashes, so I can have some – can I force them? Quick Answer: No you can’t. Want to know why, well most of the legal thinking is set out in the poignant and […]

How to measure your ring size

How to Measure Your Ring Size How to measure your ring size? When you purchase a memorial ring from Scattering Ashes we will send you a pack that has everything you need to create a beautiful Memorial Ring, including a ring sizer. Why Knowing Your Ring Size Matters A ring should fit snugly but comfortably. […]

Can You Scatter Ashes Anywhere?

Can You Scatter Ashes Anywhere? Scattering ashes is a deeply personal way to say goodbye to a loved one, many people wonder: Can you scatter ashes anywhere in the UK? The answer is a bit more complex than a simple yes or no. The law on scattering ashes in the UK is generally relaxed, but […]

Legal Differences between Scattering and Interment of Cremated Remains in Law

Legal and Physical Differences between Scattering and Interment of Cremated Remains in English Law This is Scattering Ashes interpretation of the Law as it stands Scattering of Cremated Remains Definition: Scattering involves dispersing cremated remains (ashes) over a defined area, such as in a garden, at sea, or over land. Legal Considerations: Consent: Permission from […]

why choose a Viking Funeral in a modern age

Why Choose a Viking Funeral in the Modern Age?

Why Choose a Viking Funeral in the Modern Age? In a world where tradition often intersects with modernity, the choice of a Viking funeral stands out as a powerful and evocative way to honour a loved one. Rooted in ancient customs and legendary sagas, Viking funerals offer a unique blend of historical reverence and profound […]

The Rise of Water Urns: Honouring Loved Ones with Eco-Friendly Choices

The Rise of Water Urns: Honouring Loved Ones with Eco-Friendly Choices In the UK, the tradition of honouring deceased loved ones by scattering their ashes in water is becoming increasingly popular. Water urns, specifically designed for this purpose, offer a respectful and environmentally conscious way to say goodbye. These biodegradable urns represent a profound way […]

Why I Chose a Cremation Jewellery Necklace from Scattering Ashes

Why I Chose a Cremation Jewellery Necklace from Scattering-Ashes.co.uk When faced with the loss of a loved one, many of us search for ways to keep their memory close. I found my answer in a cremation jewellery necklace, a piece that has not only provided me comfort but also an intimate connection to the memories […]

What are the Laws relating to Scattering Ashes in Europe

Many of you want to scatter ashes aboard – a favourite holiday destination, where your beloved proposed or any number of heartwarming reasons. Over the years I have tried to find out what is the law covering scattering ashes is in other countries, this has proved remarkably difficult. Mainly due to the fact I don’t […]

The Pros and Cons of putting Ashes into Jewellery?

Ashes Jewellery – Is It Right for You? Choosing ashes jewellery is a deeply personal decision. For many, it offers a powerful sense of closeness and comfort. For others, it raises questions about attachment, practicality, and meaning. Below, we explore the pros and cons of ashes jewellery to help you decide whether it’s the right […]

What happens when the curtains close at a UK crematorium?

What happens when the curtains close at a UK crematorium? The coffin is removed and placed ready to go in the cremation chamber, this may happen straight away or delayed for a few hours until capacity comes available. Is that all you want to know? I doubt it, otherwise you would not have typed the […]

LAUNCH OF THE ASHES REGISTER – Press Release

LAUNCH OF THE ASHES REGISTER Official record will provide future generations with details of cremated loved ones’ final resting places Richard Martin, founder of Scattering Ashes, is to launch an innovative register that records the final resting place of people who have been cremated in the UK, The Ashes Register. Following his recent report ‘The […]

Exhumation the rules broken down and explained

Exhumation Rules for consecrated and unconsecrated ground For the exhumation of a body or cremated remains from consecrated ground, it will be necessary to obtain a Faculty from the Chancellor of the Diocese. It is no longer necessary to obtain an Exhumation Licence from the Ministry of Justice, even if it is intended that the […]

Direct Cremation: Why are people abandoning traditional funerals?

Direct Cremation: Why are people abandoning traditional funerals? All I ever hear is cost cost cost, no one wants to spend any money anymore, we have lost the need to impress the neighbours and peers, so the ‘throw me in the bin’ mantra trumps all. The current wisdom is that people just don’t want to […]

Why do so many Local Authority Crematoria look so down at heal?

Public Private Partnership in the Funeral world – An Oxymoron? Why do so many crematoria look so down at heal? In many local authorities there has been a complete lack of investment in their crematoria. As a consequence some families are not getting quality or good value funerals plus there is higher air pollution with […]

Why we need to talk about the end of life

Scattering Ashes Guest Blog – Mala Brinsden @ No Regrets Why we need to talk about the end of life I know it isn’t easy or the most popular topic of conversation to be talking about death and the end of life, for so many reasons – too morbid, too painful, why would I?! But as […]

Man loses his Mum’s Ashes on the way home.

We all lose things; I am dreadful for it. But most things don’t matter, turn up again or often were there all along. Not so for Paul Gale a security guard from Camberwell in London. He has lost his mum’s ashes, on the way back the pub. Poor Mr Glee is quite rightly distress about […]

New Product: Sikh Ashes Ceremony Record

Traditions adapt and move on, until recently many Sikh families living outside the Punjab region of India would have taken the ashes of a loved one back to Kiratpur Sahib, a town in the Punjab, India. The town is the location of the Gurdwara Patal Puri where Sikhs scatter the ashes of their deceased. […]

Welsh Council manages to dig up garden of remberance by accident!

Welsh Council Accidentally Digs Up Garden of Remembrance Families in the Welsh town of Dendigh were left heartbroken after the area where ashes were scatter and rose bushes were planted was dug up/ dug over by unsuspecting council workers. It would appear employees working for the council took it upon themselves to clear a plot […]

Leaflet: Hindu Ashes Water Ceremony

We are proud to announce that we have created and published our first guidance note for water ceremonies for the Hindu community living here in the UK. Why have we done this? We get many calls per week from younger member of the family that have been tasked with arranging the Ash Scattering Ceremony for […]

Saying Goodbye to all This – Podcast, Not letting go of the ashes

I have just read a lovely piece on loss on the BBC website entitled – ‘My husband’s ashes are still unscattered, but we’re doing OK’ The author Sophie Townsend talks about going on holiday a year after her husband passes away, leaving her a young widow with two children. She decides not to take the […]

What is the definition of an Urn?

There are various definitions on an Urn, let’s ignore those specifically referring to a large receptacle for tea and such like and focus on those that contain ashes, oops have I just given the game away? Let’s see… Urn (noun: urn; plural noun: urns) So Google pops up with the following: a tall, rounded vase […]

12 Special Ideas for Scattering Ashes

There is a wide range of special ideas for scattering ashes here are some we like: Plant and memorial tree and scatter them around the tree or or bury them underneath Put them in to some fireworks and blast then into the night sky Place them in a memorial reef off of the coast of […]

Scattering Ashes Covid-19/Coronavirus advice

Guidance on ash scattering practices during the pandemic These unprecedented times have led to a huge amount of confusion on social do’s and don’t. The following is merely our opinion based on Government advice and has no legal standing. Scattering Ashes in a lockdown situation: What we know – Funerals are to go ahead, but […]

Can you scatter ashes anywhere?

Can you scatter ashes anywhere? The answer is no you can’t. The law in UK is very relaxed compared to many countries but you need the landowners permission. Someone landowners are fine and others are not. As a general rule of thumb the more open and spacious the more likely you are to get permission. […]

Losing Ashes Jewellery – Steps to take to keep it safe

Ashes Jewellery is one of the most precious items you’ll own. We know because people tell us. We even have some people order a piece then don’t where it because they get so worked up about losing it. We also know what happens when people who do lose items, and how they try to get […]

Does Scattering Ashes Bring Closure? – Loved Ones Explained

We are often asked “Does scattering the ashes of a loved one bring closure?”. The answer is complicated, closure on what? What is it you want closure on? After many discussions with grief specialists I have have come to agree that the term closure is unhelpful. It conjures up thoughts “Right that’s him sorted, time […]

I want a Viking Funeral – What can I do?

Viking Funeral UK “Dad said he wanted a Viking funeral: can it be done?” – This is becoming and increasingly popular question: films, novels, TV series like Game of Thrones or Vikings (amongst other things) triggers a powerful urge in our imagination. There is something about a Viking send-off that is really potent and symbolic. […]

Splitting the ashes – How many Scatter Tubes are needed?

Splitting the ashes – How many Scatter Tubes are needed? Splitting the ashes? Do you want or need to split the ashes amongst family and/or friends? More and more people want to split ashes, there are a number for reasons for this, here are two of the most common: The person wanted to be scattered […]

Does your family need more time at the Crematorium?

Does your family need more time at the Crematorium? Does your family need more time at the Crematorium? A rushed service is not a good experience for anyone. In fact, our research shows, when you feel you have not had enough time to say goodbye – it can upset, enrage, distress even traumatize someone. BUT, […]

Mortonhall Crematorium – Tough Talking their way back into the people’s hearts?

Mortonhall Crematorium Mortonhall crematorium in Edinburgh has had more than its fair share on controversy. In 2013 it was the centre of the baby ashes scandal. They had been disposing of premature baby ashes and telling parents there weren’t any ashes to collect. This caused a huge furore and quite rightly so! (see our previous […]

Is a will the last word on ashes? 2019

Wills are funny things. They can be as eccentric as the people who make them. Think of Jonathan Jackson, who set aside a small fortune in his will for the construction of a mansion for cats. Or Houdini, who asked his wife to conduct a séance each year on the anniversary of his death. We […]

1 2 3 4

Posts navigation