Scotland - Scattering Ashes

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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…

unslighty ashes dumping at a beauty spot

Dumping of Ashes makes a Scottish beauty spot unsightly

Scatter ashes at beauty spots hits the papers again For ten years I have writing about scattering ashes, where you can and where you can’t, what you should and shouldn’t do. In fact, in one of my early post I had angry walker in the Lake District blaming me [how very dare he!] for the…

Scattering Location for Hindu and Sikhs on the river clyde

Scattering ashes location for Sikh and Hindus in Glasgow Scotland

Inverclyde council in Scotland which is on the banks of the Clyde River is the first authority in Scotland to make official provision for the Sikh and Hindu community. They have done this by allocating a place for the scattering of ashes into river, so that the community can carry out funeral rites. The council…

TV wants to hear from families that want to scatter or have them scattered at an iconic landmark

Denhams TV in Plymouth are making a television programme for ITV and would love to hear real-life stories from people who have decided to do something extra special with ashes to commemorate a life. The programme is a celebration of Britain’s most iconic landmarks and we would like to highlight the British public’s connection with…

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The Six Nations Rugby Tournament, Guinness and Scattering Ashes

The Six Nations 2019. Hold the press, someone has invented some spooky mind ray thing and they are somehow extracting thoughts, I blame the Google Street View van. It must have some clever gizmo on it that is harvesting thought waves. This must be the only plausible explanation, otherwise how else could the advertising agency…

What does Rod Stewart want to do with his ashes?

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Rod Stewart’s Ashes Veteran rocker Rod Stewart wants his ashes to be scattered at Celtic Park (the home ground of the Celtic Football Club), or failing that Hampden Park (Scotland’s national football stadium) Nothing odd about that, he is a well known football supporter and associated with all things Scottish. It then occurred to me,…

Regional variations in our relationship with ashes

By and large us Brits are of a mind when it comes to cremation and the scattering of ashes – across age, political persuasion, gender and locality we are broadly similar in outlook. With one notable exception – The older we get the more we would prefer to be cremated. However, the recent YouGov survey on…

Scattering Ashes Service across the UK and overseas

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Scattering Ashes Service Scattering Ashes Service across the UK and overseas. Are you looking for your loved one’s ashes to be scattering at a particular destination within the UK or overseas but are unable to do this yourself? We can help. Many of us will have a place in mind that we want our ashes…

A new free short guide: What to do with Ashes now – available to people working with bereaved families

We have been blogging and writing on the subject of ashes for a several years now, and we have produced a lot of guidance on what people could do with ashes. However, until now we have only had this information available on the website and our booklet*. The good news is we have taken the main…

Boat for Scattering ashes forth near edinburgh

Firth of Forth, South Queensferry: East Scottish Coast

Scattering Ashes at Sea Edinburgh Location Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, which is 50yds from the famous Forth Bridge. Area of operation Within 15 miles of South Queensferry, Near Edinburgh Available From April to October, but can accommodate small groups on our Cabin RIB November to March. Duration of trip 30 -40 Minutes Capacity of boat 225…

Scattering Ashes is the nation’s favourite choice!

Fact: 79% of those wishing to be cremated want their ashes scattered. Which means about 2/3rds of us in total (80% of people are cremated). The result of a recent YouGov survey confirmed what we have believed for years, if you want to be cremated then most of you want your ashes to be scattered. The…

Ashes into Fireworks: Self-fire or an organised display?

Ashes into fireworks Are you considering going out with a bang? Putting cremation ashes into fireworks – what are the things you need to think about… There are two main options for you: Having your ashes in a firework display or having the ashes placed in a rocket or a self-firing fireworks box. There are advantages…

The case of the Cremation without the family knowing

This is the sad case of Mr Fitzpatrick who passed way in August. He had suffered depression for some time and it is believed he committed suicide. At the time he was living on his own, his children had left home and he was estranged from his partner, with whom we was still on good…

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…

Don’t put Scatter Tubes in the water!

Scatter tubes are not designed to be placed in the water. They are made of a thick dense card, which also has an semi impervious layer of ink, the result is they are likely to float and will not sink for some considerable time: meaning that you loved ones ashes may end up on shore or…

Student uses grandfather’s ashes to create a night sky

Death and art seem to have a long relationship from the medieval depiction of what happens to sinners in hell to Damien Hirst’s animals in formaldehyde. There are a few artists that offer for people to have ashes incorporated into art. However here we have a final year photography student using his grandfather’s ashes to…

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…

What is the price of ashes?

The Mortonhall scandal in Edinburgh was dreadful, the practice where the crematoria did not return or offer to return stillborn or new-born babies ashes to the parents after cremation, with the reason that there was nothing to return, when in many instances this was untrue and very wrong. The subsequent mea culpa from the municipal…

Forestry Commission Scotland policy on scattering ashes

Good news, Forestry Commission Scotland has a more progressive and enlightened view of dealing with those who wish to scatter the ashes of a loved one compared to their neighbours south of the border. Scotland’s National Forest Estate covers nearly 9% of Scotland and comprises forests, woodland and open ground. And in their words ‘It’s…

Who gets the ashes: funeral directors caught in the crossfire

The law is not the most dynamic of tools and the law regarding cremation is not at the top of the legislators agenda. It is not set up to find the ‘right home’ for the ashes, it looks at it from the point of view of correct and efficient disposal. However there are two well…

Money raised for charities from metal reclaimed from a crematoria to top £2m

Now this is good news. The money raised for charities from the recycled metals the arise from cremation is set to reach £2m. When a body is cremated the non-combustible parts are left behind: the bones (the ashes) and any metal which arises. This metal was historically just the ironwork used to make…

Bespoke Wooden Urn Tattoos: Insignia, designs or inscriptions

Bespoke Urn Tattoo or Pyrography Bespoke Urn Tattoo. We have found a talented pyrographic artist who can tattoo any design onto a handmade wooden urn. Would you like a completely bespoke design, motif or insignia on your wooden urn? Scattering Ashes already offers a range of beautiful handmade wooden urns, made here in Devon. Now, we…

Scottish Wildlife Trust Policy on cremated remains

This is there policy summary: Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) will not permit burials of bodies or ashes on its wildlife reserves. However, SWT is happy to consider the scattering of ashes in a sensitive manner on reserves, and in exceptional circumstances will also consider memorials. You are supposed to contact the relevant Scottish Wildlife Trust…

The changing face of municipal memorialsation

It would seem councils are waking up to the fact that people are general cremated and now that people no longer scatter their loved ones ashes at the crematoria that they may have changing role in relation to public memorialisation. I came across this from Kelso in Scotland. A councillor has been petitioning Scottish…

Professional Photographer needs your help on scattering stories – ‘HERE I AM’

Can you help me? I am looking for stories of why and where ashes have been scattered. ‘Here I am’ is a photographic project I started a couple of years ago based around the themes of memory and loss. I had been working with the NHS on an End of Life project, which entailed talking…

Facebook to the rescue again!

Two positive stories about Facebook in one week! Fingers crossed I will be on the payroll soon. This is the story of a man who had his mother ashes returned to him after a Facebook appeal. A thief stole his van in Bridport, Dorset then returned the ashes (not the van) presumably after having his…

Loch Lomond: Sterling

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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 The boats can accommodate a maximum of 7 passengers per boat [8 persons including our driver] larger groups can be…

North Berwick and Firth of Forth: East Lothian

Scattering Ashes at Sea – North Berwick 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…

RSPBs policy on scattering ashes at their nature reserves

If you are a bird lover then it is good news. We have asked The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) whether you are allowed to scatter cremation ashes at their natures reserves, they even have an ‘In-Memoriam’ Co-ordinator who was very kind and provided the following response – I am sorry that…

How should Cremation Authorities pack and dispatch ashes after cremation

What should Crematoria do and what should you expect? The following is based on a Best practise briefing produced by the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (UK), I have provided a link at the bottom to the actual guidance. In essence their primary responsibility is to ensure you receive the ashes safely and in…

Is there space for Columbariums to be an option for ashes the UK

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Is there space for Columbariums to be an option for ashes the UK? I think so, in fact I think they are really overlooked in the UK. My only beef is the ones I see here in the UK and to a certain extent the US are a bit ugly and too utilitarian. There is no imagination, no…

Repatriation Abroad Ashes Cremated Remains Sending

Repatriation of ashes or sending ashes abroad

Sending ashes abroad or repatriating them can be a difficult problem, few couriers are willing to handle them, mainly due to the fact that they are beyond value to a loved one – so how could you put a price on that? The second issue is the paperwork – every country seems to have…

Boats on a Map

These are the locations of boats available for hire in UK for scattering ashes. Have a look for a suitable location on our interactive Google Map.

Can you send cremation ashes in the post?

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Royal Mail Policy on sending Ashes in the post You cannot send the whole amount of cremated human remains / cremation ashes in the post. You can however send up to 50g of ashes. The Post Office prohibits the full amount being sent either: nationally via Royal Mail and Parcelforce and internationally through Parcelforce Worldwide UK, which includes mail…

What happened to the ashes of antenatal or neonatal deaths in Scotland

Following the Mortonhall baby scandal, The Herald Scotland looked into the practice of authorities, the results have been set out below, along with a link to the original article. Accurate at the time of publishing (Mar 2013) Authority / Crematoria Comment and or policy Glasgow City Council / “It was often not possible to collect…

Mortonhall Ashes Scandal

The Edinburgh crematoria at Mortonhall is at the centre of a scandal. Prior to 2007 it was their policy not to return the ashes of stillborn children and very small infants (antenatal or neonatal babies). The basis for this, it would appear, was a blanket policy to inform parents that there would be no ashes…

Ex Nazi to have his ashes scattered where he was a PoW

A German soldier left his estate to a Scottish the village of Comrie, Perthshire and is to have his cremation ashes scattered there where he was a prisoner of war camp during WWII. Heinrich Steinmeyer was a soldier in the Wafhen SS and was captured fighting to defend a bridge in Caen, Normandy. Mr Steinmeyer…

Moray Firth: Inverness

Scattering Ashes at Sea on the Moray Firth 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…

Up Helly Aa – Vikings we have the cremation urn for you!

News to me, but apparently Up Helly Aa is the largest fire festival in Europe. It takes place in Lerwick, Shetland, on the last Tuesday in January every year. There are hundreds of people in Viking attire parading through the streets, which ends up with a Viking longboat being set alight (the call is it…

Austerity measures impacting grieving families: Scottish crematoria shutting on a Saturday and Sunday

The article below from the Perthshire Advertiser whilst seemingly local, throws up some very interesting questions around bereavement services, their cost and availability. Perth Council have decided to retain ownership of their crematoria. A move welcomed by local funeral directors on the grounds that it will keep costs down for families. However, they have chosen…

Scattering Ashes – Ashes into Fireworks: UK wide

Ashes into Fireworks Ashes into fireworks: Professional firework displays incorporating ashes are a fantastic way to celebrate the life of a loved one. They are truly fantastic events, scattering the ashes over the heavens. It is a scattering ceremony that will stay forever in the memory. We have a range of options for you. Advantages…

Portrush, County Antrim: Northern Ireland Coast

Scattering Ashes at Sea – Portrush 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…

Ardfern, Argyll and Bute: West Scottish Coast

Scattering Ashes at Sea West Coast Scotland 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…

Loch Coruisk, Isle of Skye: Scotland

Scattering Ashes at Sea – Isle of Skye 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,…

A service for Royal Navy & Royal Marines who ‘cross the bar’

Committal of ashes to sea – A service for Military personal including Royal Navy & Royal Marines ‘crossing the bar‘ Every Seaman you ever speak to will tell you the sea runs right to their very core of their soul, for many the image of a burial at sea looms large in the imagination. Whilst burials at sea…

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…

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