Good news — for families seeking a dignified scattering location, Scotland’s national forest estate is among the more forward-looking options in the UK. Managed by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), these woods, woodlands and open ground are treated as a national treasure and cared for accordingly.
FLS does allow the scattering of cremated remains on many of its sites — provided you abide by a few straightforward conditions. While they emphasise the natural environment over memorialisation, the guidelines are sensible and enable a respectful ceremony. Key points:
Seek advice from the relevant regional FLS office if the location you’re considering has fragile habitat or rare species.
Real, biodegradable flowers are acceptable — but no wrappings, ribbons, plastic ties or non-bio containers. Forestry and Land Scotland
Permanent memorials (benches, plaques, artificial structures) are not permitted — FLS will not accept them. Scotland
Spread ashes gently and widely, avoid leaving a conspicuous pile in one spot (this point is advisory, drawn from industry guidance). The aim is discreet integration into the landscape.
For funeral professionals advising families, this is a reassuring development. The key is to plan ahead, talk to the regional office early, and choose an urn/ceremony style that respects the woodland. Encourage families to go biodegradable, minimal, discreet — which aligns perfectly with FLS’s requirements and with your ethos for scattering done right.
For families drawn to Scotland’s wild beauty, scattering in a forest or glen can be deeply symbolic — a return to nature in its purest form. The key is to do it properly: discreetly, respectfully, and in harmony with the land. We can help with that. Our range of eco-scattering options are ideal for woodland settings, designed to break down naturally without leaving a trace. Whether it’s a quiet moment beneath the trees or a gathering at the edge of the forest, we can help you create a ceremony that feels right — simple, sustainable and deeply personal.
My husband loved Kenmore. Is it possible to scatter his ashes there
Dear Lorraine
You would need to contact the forestry commission directly
kind regards
Richard
The information that came with my husbands ashes suggested I could not scatter them by a water course. His wishes were to be scattered in or by Loch Tay as it was his favourite place having spent much time on Ben Lawyers and in Killin especially. If I follow the guidance would it be okay still to scatter them by Loch Tay
Obviously it is the landowners guidance that needs to be followed as it is their land, I would be interested to see what they say if you could share it. There is no environmental reason why this can’t do done, at least no obvious one.
Kind regards
Richard
Can I scatter a loved one’s ashes at Lochan Spling, Aberfoyle?
If it is in the water and there is nothing polluting placed in the water, then yes.
Hello
My dad was born up near Bonnie bridge and castle Cary. I was wondering if it would b ok to spread his ashes somewhere around there
Thank you
Julie
Hi Julie
The River Brue runs near by you could scatter there….
Kind regards
Richard
Greetings,
Ma and Dad were from Govan. Ma particularly loved Loch Lomond. She always shared regret that she couldn’t see the Loch “one more time,” since their last trip back in ’99. Ma passed a few short year later . . . It sounds as if we left some of them there, unknown to others and 100% unobtrusive, it is acceptable to do so??
Thanks in advance,
Dave Galloway
Grand Ridge, FL
Hi Dave
Yes you can put ashes in Loch Lomond, here is the advice page https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/help-advice/where-can-you-scatter-ashes/sea-river/
Kind regards
Richard
I am in the process making enquiries about scattering my parents ashes.
We were all born in Scotland and my parents asked me to scatter them in Glasgow Park is illegal to scatter in a public park?
Many thanks Rosalind
Dear Rosalind
It is very unlikely you will get permission to scatter in an urban park I am afraid.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi Jane
I am afraid I don’t know if it permissible although having a quick look, I think it will be. These re the people you need to get in touch with https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/queen-elizabeth-forest-park
Kind regards
Richard
Hello. please can you tell me whether it would be permitted for me to scatter my parents ashes in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Thank you
I would like to know if it is possible to scatter ashes at glenfinnan it was my husbands favourite place and he always said just bring me here. We would do it discreetly and leave no markers of any sort my name is Kath Coleran and live in Northumberland
Hi Kathleen
You would need to ask Forestry Commission Scotland directly , here is the correct page for you: https://forestryandland.gov.scot/contact
Kind regards
Richard
Hi my husband wants to be scattered at linlithgow Loch. Is this OK. Such happy memories there for many years
That should be fine – please follow the advice about scattering into water.
Kind regards
Richard
My mum dad and aunt requested there ashes be scattered at lanark loch would this be allowed if so would we be able to leave single roses thank you
Hi Angela
That should be fine, follow the instructions on this page – https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/help-advice/where-can-you-scatter-ashes/sea-river/
Kind regards
Richard
Thank you Richard. I think that would be lovely.
Kind regards. Diane
Good afternoon. My name is Diane Bowman. I live in Essex but was born and brought up in Aberdeen. My parents have both died and it was my mother’s wish for both her and my fathers ashes to be scattered back home at Royal Deeside. We as a family always loved Deeside and have many happy memories. Our family are planning on scattering their ashes on September 30th 2023 but I am unsure where I am allowed to do this. I don’t want to do anything illegally so would you be so kind the advise and let me know where I can have this family ceremony.
Thankyou in advance and I look forward to hearing from you in due course.
Diane Bowman.
The best way would be to scatter directly into the river – general advise
As long as the access is permissible you should not need permission.
Kind regards
Richard