scattering ashes in Scotland - Scattering Ashes

Question: When does a story of a woman’s broken ankle make the nationals?

Answer: when it happened while scattering ashes

Lynda Crowther a resident of Runcorn, Cheshire, was on a family trip to North Ayreshire in Scotland to scatter the ashes her mother.

On the walk she broke her ankle in a pothole and due to the remote location needed an air ambulance to remove her from the mountainside.

While she was awaiting the helicopter she used her mums ashes to support her ankle and after her being picked up the rest of family continued on their journey to honour Ina Craddock’s last wish to have her ashes scattered on the same spot as spot as her late son, William.

When they return from the mountain they found Lynda in a hospital with her ankle in plaster.

The interesting aspect is that there is nothing remarkable about this story at all. The two essential elements: a loving family honour a parent’s wish and the air-lifting are fairly ordinary, so why did this end up in The Mirror? Without the benefit of a journalist’s nose it would seem that the ashes are the critical factor, I suppose it ticks the boxes to make it worthy: family, human interest, excitement crated by mild peril, all well that ends well and then the taboo subject… death with all its black humour and when we all able to make light of this subject it becomes newsworthy – fascinating if you think about it.

I will end with a quote from a niece who was on the trip which “Gran always loved a bit of ceremony and would have been laughing at the RAF seeing her off.

“Gran would have found our antics hilarious.”

Without trying to sound too pompous I think posthumous envisaging of anothers reaction, which almost always exclusively relates to humour, reveals much about our comprehension of death and its place with British society.

Oh and yes, you will be happy to know Ms Crowther is on the mend.

Original story: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/woman-rescued-raf-helicopter-after-6305043

Digging a road through a scattering site – an infringement of human rights?

There is a plan to put a road through a section of crematoria land in Perth Scotland and the local residents aren’t happy.

Perth council plan to ease congestion in that part of the city involves shaving a strip of land off of the crematoria grounds, which is not the actual garden of remembrance although it has been used for the scattering of ashes.

Members of the Luncarty, Redgorton and Moneydie Community Council have threatened legal action if this goes ahead saying “Approving this planning application and disturbing the human remains of the loved ones of their constituents would result in councillors being held culpable of abusing the human rights of their constituents.”

And there has been a petition signed by 2400 residents asking the council to rethink.

So is it, I wonder, an infringement of someone’s human rights? Human right is one of those terms banded about like health and safety often abused and never that well understood. The article did not say which part of the Act it would be contravening, but I suppose it could be? Certainly they are unhappy and the elected council would do well to listen. Crematoria grounds should be sacred, people who scatter there would probably have thought so when they scattered.

But is anywhere really sacrosanct? Churchyards are prone to be dug up to ‘make way for progress’ certainly cemeteries dating over a 100years old seem to be (or am I just making this up on a few remembered news articles) anyway, it does make you think about what is likely to be there ‘forever’, I think it is fair to say in an urban landscape things change, space is precious and council may take the approach that the need of the future outweigh the objections…

Original story: http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/perth-kinross/community-council-warns-of-legal-challenge-to-perth-crematorium-road-plan-1.838736

Loch Lomond: Sterling

Scattering ashes over Loch Lomond

Location	Luss Pier, Loch Lomond
Area of operation	Loch Lomond
Type of boat	See above
Duration of trip	30 Mins – 60 Mins – more if required
Capacity of boat	With regards to the seating capacity our boats can accommodate a maximum of 7 passengers per boat [8 persons including our driver] but we do have 4 boats available and so we often provide this service for large groups up to a maximum of 28 persons. With large groups we would therefore send multiple boats out to travel together, stop at the same place, switch the engines off and ‘raft up’ the boats side by side [or to stop at one of the islands]
Refreshments	Discuss with boat operator
Ceremony	Scattering ashes directly onto the water can lead to them being blown about which some families may find distressing. We supply a wide range of urns specifically designed for water ceremonies. They are all 100% biodegradable and will dissolve in water – please follow the link: Water Urns We also supply a water ceremony set which includes a water urn, flower petals for scattering, Promises – dissolvable notelets for scattering with the ashes, a certificate to record the ceremony, *and our award winning (and rated 5 on Amazon) guide book: follow the link – 4th Ceremony Set**
Cost	£60 for 30mins £100 for the hour
Company comments	30 minutes should be sufficient time to cruise out and to find a nice scenic spot and to then stop and to switch the engines off for a few minutes and to then head back to Luss. If you have a specific location or viewpoint that you wanted to visit then the longer booking might be required and a longer trip would also provide the option to visit one of Loch Lomond’s many islands
Disabled Access	Discuss with boat operator
Parking	Discuss with boat operator
Reviews	(5 votes, average: 3.40 out of 5) Loading... Reviews are at the bottom of the page, please add yours if you use this service

To make an enquiry please fill in the form below with your preferred date and number of people attending the scattering, please make sure you include a contact number as the boat company will call you directly to discuss your requirements:

Scattering ashes over Loch Lomond

North Berwick and Firth of Forth: East Lothian

Location	North Berwick, twentyfive miles from Edinburgh
Area of operation	Firth of Forth usually around North Berwick but can go further afield
Type of Boat	Starfish 8, 28ft workboat
Duration of trip	30 – 1hr, greater if required
Capacity of boat	10
Refreshments	Clients can bring their own
Additional info	Small local friendly operation run by 2 knowledgable characters who ensure your trip successful.
Ceremony	Scattering ashes directly onto the water can lead to them being blown about which some families may find distressing. We supply a wide range of urns specifically designed for water ceremonies. They are all 100% biodegradable and will dissolve in water – please follow the link: Water Urns We also supply a water ceremony set which includes a water urn, flower petals for scattering, Promises – dissolvable notelets for scattering with the ashes, a certificate to record the ceremony, *and our award winning (and rated 5 on Amazon) guide book: follow the link – 4th Ceremony Set**
Cost	£85 per hour
Disabled Access	No wheelchair access but able bodied crew to help board
Parking	Near and around town, allow time to look for space
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To make an enquiry please fill in the form below with your preferred date and number of people attending the scattering, please make sure you include a contact number as the boat company will call you directly to discuss your requirements:

Even TripAdvisor is joining in!

Well sort of, I came across someone last week asking for tips for a location to scatter their mothers ashes

“Good place on Lewis to scatter ashes

My mother sadly passed away in October and the family is hoping to have a get-together next July to commemorate her life and scatter her ashes in Lewis, which is where she was born, though she left when she was 14 and only went back once since then, I think.

She was born in Sandwick, just outside Stornoway, and my sister thought we could do it on seafront there, but I am worried that it will be too public and also not the most appealing place, with possible access difficulties too.

So, I was wondering if anyone knew of a peaceful and secluded place where it might be appropriate to lay her to final rest? Some of the party may have limited mobility, so the place would have to have vehicle access reasonably nearby.”

To date it has had one reply:

“What about the Braighe. The Aignish cemetery side has a path from the car park. That side is usually quiet and a lovely setting. Near to Sandwick too.”

So there you go I looked Braighe up and I have added a picture (the main post image) for those interested. The respondent does seem to have got a good idea.

However that is not the principal reason for the post it often these small snippets that offer the most insight. Firstly the family felt it correct to scatter their mother ashes in a place clearly none of them knew, or that their mother had rarely if ever returned after her departure. Furthermore even though I imagine they have given this considerable thought, it would obviously not be a place they would need to revisit on a frequent basis. For those not up on British geography Lewis is a most splendidly beautiful island off the north west cost of Scotland in the Hebrides, insomniacs may recognise Stornoway from the lilting tones of Radio 4’s shipping forecast. Put it like this you can’t get there on a cheap away-day return from Bastingstoke.

The second point of interest is that one of the family asked the world (well specially travellers), as to a suitable spot. I am not saying this is a bad idea or the wrong thing to do be there is a lot of trust and responsibility in such a request (I am sure this is perhaps the initial point of research).

Lastly it set me thinking, well who would you ask if you had no contacts or knowledge in a place. ‘Hi, is that tourist information?’ I suppose you could ask for a picturesque secluded beach with mobility access. Perhaps a member of the clergy may help. Certainly there would be celebrants in the area although you may feel obliged to use their services. I will give this more thought.

Moray Firth: Inverness

Location	Bay/Moray Firth
Area of operation	Anywhere (except small pioneer which is restricted to the bay only
Type of boat	Pioneer multi 8.5m Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) ‘Buchaneer’ 3. 7.85m Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) ‘Privateer’ 31ft Sailing Catamaran ‘Meercat’
Duration of trip	As required
Capacity of boat	Pioneer Multi- 7 People Buchaneer- 12 People Privateer- 10 People Meercat- 12 People
Refreshments	As required on vessels and at request on land at Marina Cafe
Ceremony	Scattering ashes directly onto the water can lead to them being blown about which some families may find distressing. We supply a wide range of urns specifically designed for water ceremonies. They are all 100% biodegradable and will dissolve in water – please follow the link: Water Urns We also supply a water ceremony set which includes a water urn, flower petals for scattering, Promises – dissolvable notelets for scattering with the ashes, a certificate to record the ceremony, *and our award winning (and rated 5 on Amazon) guide book: follow the link – 4th Ceremony Set**
Cost	From £35
Disabled Access	Yes- varying levels dependant on vessel
Parking	Yes
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Portrush, County Antrim: Northern Ireland Coast

Location	The North Pier, Portrush harbour , County Antrim.
Area of operation	They cover the north coast of Donegal and the Mull of Kintyre including the Scottish Islands of Islay, Jura, Gigha and Iona.
Type of boat	See picture above
Duration of trip	Dependant on your wishes
Capacity of boat	16 passengers
Refreshments	N/A. There local hotels for refreshments.
Additional info	The local branch of the Royal British Legion can provide a chaplain from local churches for a civilian service. They operate all year round. The north coast of Northern Ireland was impacted in both WWI and WWII, the Atlantic convoy routes passed their shores and U-boats operated within 3 miles of the coast. The biggest number of world war shipwrecks and sunken U-boats in Europe is also here. They have scattered ashes for UK, US, Canadian families and have laid wreaths for several German and Indian families.
Ceremony	Scattering ashes directly onto the water can lead to them being blown about which some families may find distressing. We supply a wide range of urns specifically designed for water ceremonies. They are all 100% biodegradable and will dissolve in water – please follow the link: Water Urns We also supply a water ceremony set which includes a water urn, flower petals for scattering, Promises – dissolvable notelets for scattering with the ashes, a certificate to record the ceremony, *and our award winning (and rated 5 on Amazon) guide book: follow the link – 4th Ceremony Set**
Cost	From £50 per hour
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Ardfern, Argyll and Bute: West Scottish Coast

Location	Ardfern, West Scotland
Area of operation	Loch Craignish, across the Sound of Jura and into the Gulf of Corryvreckan
Type of boat	Interceptor 42
Duration of trip	1-4 hours
Capacity of boat	12
Refreshments	Courtesy bottled water, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, with shortbread
Additional	Facilities include a toilet, heated seating area in wheel house with seating for 10 to 12 passengers We regret that this vessel is not suitable for wheelchairs and people with limited mobility should contact us to discuss boarding arrangements
Ceremony	Scattering ashes directly onto the water can lead to them being blown about which some families may find distressing. We supply a wide range of urns specifically designed for water ceremonies. They are all 100% biodegradable and will dissolve in water – please follow the link: Water Urns We also supply a water ceremony set which includes a water urn, flower petals for scattering, Promises – dissolvable notelets for scattering with the ashes, a certificate to record the ceremony, *and our award winning (and rated 5 on Amazon) guide book: follow the link – 4th Ceremony Set**
Cost	Prices from £160
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Loch Coruisk, Isle of Skye: Scotland

Location	Elgol, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Area of operation	Loch Coruisk
Type of boat	Lochin 38 – a high-specification, modern, powerful sea-going vessel
Duration of trip	1½ hours or longer if you wish to go ashore
Capacity of boat	40 with no minimum numbers
Refreshments	Free tea, coffee, hot chocolate or fruit juice on the return journey, snacks also available.
Additional info	An unforgettable boat trip where you can see the seals and spend an unhurried 1½ hours ashore at Loch Coruisk to relax and explore the majestic wilderness, or a 3 hour trip if you want longer to take in such wonderful surroundings. The boat has 100% non-slip surfaces and an elevated level open deck giving excellent views. They also have a weather canopy and wheelhouse seating for passenger comfort and shower capes are also available on board.
Ceremony	Scattering ashes directly onto the water can lead to them being blown about which some families may find distressing. We supply a wide range of urns specifically designed for water ceremonies. They are all 100% biodegradable and will dissolve in water – please follow the link: Water Urns We also supply a water ceremony set which includes a water urn, flower petals for scattering, Promises – dissolvable notelets for scattering with the ashes, a certificate to record the ceremony, *and our award winning (and rated 5 on Amazon) guide book: follow the link – 4th Ceremony Set**
Cost	Price on application
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Policy position: Historic Environment Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland is non-departmental public body established under the Historic Environment Scotland Act 2014 being a registered charity (Scottish Charity number SC045925) and

having its principal office at Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH.

Scattering of ashes is permitted at many historic sites in our care, however it should be noted that no permanent marker will be allowed. Also, due to the number of requests received, scattering of ashes at Edinburgh Castle or Stirling Castle may only be granted if the deceased had a military connection to the Castle.

If you would like further information on scattering of ashes at any of our sites, please contact the Factoring Team in writing at Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH, by telephone on

0131 668 8786 or by e-mail at FactoringGeneralEnquiries@hes.scot

Historic Scotland is the organisation the owns and maintains over 300 over Scotland’s most important heritage sites including: Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Urquhart Castlem, Glasgow Cathedral, Skara Brae, Iona Abbey, Fort George, Linlithgow Palace, St Andrews Castle and Melrose Abbey.

Scatter ashes – National Trust for Scotland

This is what the National Trust for Scotland have to say:

The Trust has no formal policy which would cover all situations across the wide range of properties that we have responsibility for in Scotland. The Trust is respectful of peoples’ wishes but must have regard for a wide range of issues including the environmental impact on soils, plants, rivers and streams.

Broad guidelines are available to Trust Managers and any proposal or arrangement for the scattering of ashes or any associated ceremonies should be discussed and agreed with individual property managers beforehand. Contact details are available on the Trust’s website. If proposals are deemed acceptable, the advice given may include specific locations and appropriate times of day with regard for other planned events and consideration for other visitors.

For the avoidance of doubt there would be a presumption against the erection of any sort of memorial, however temporary.

This information was correct at the time of publication, organisations can change their position so for the most accurate information please contact the origination in question directly.