An independent commission is to be set up to deal with the treatment of cremated remains across Scotland after allegations about the mistreatment of baby ashes.
Legislation will be brought forward after complaints that the ashes of infants were disposed of without parents’ knowledge.
Fife woman Carol Howden, who lost her four-month-old son John to cot death in 1988, has previously spoken of her devastation at learning his remains were scattered in the grounds of Dunfermline Crematorium after she was told there would be nothing left of him.
The new commission will ensure clear and consistent advice is provided to bereaved families on the arrangements for the ashes of their loved ones, Public Health Minister Michael Matheson told Holyrood yesterday.
It will not investigate individual cases, however, with the Scottish Government saying that is the responsibility of either local authorities or the private owners of independent crematoriums.
Ministers will establish the group to examine what lessons can be learned from recent events, and to make recommendations about how guidance and legislation can be updated to ensure clarity and consistency across the country.
The commission will be asked to submit its report and recommendations by the end of the year.
Mr Matheson said: “Losing a child is an extremely traumatic experience and it is absolutely crucial that families are treated sensitively and given the support and information they need.
“Recent cases have demonstrated that the existing legislation and current industry practice is falling short of what the public deserves, so I am establishing a commission to look at the policies and practices in place for handling ashes and cremated remains.
“The commission will help to ensure a consistent approach to the treatment of ashes across Scotland. Their work and recommendations will inform new legislation which will ensure that these sort of incidents can never happen again.”
The commission will examine the policies, guidance and legislation which underpin current practice and it is expected that a range of stakeholders including councils, the funeral industry and representatives of parents who have been affected by historical practice will form the body.
The independent commission will be distinct from the investigation being led by former Lord Advocate Dame Elish Angiolini into the disposal of baby ashes at Mortonhall Crematorium in Edinburgh, which is currently on hold until criminal investigations by the police are concluded.
Scottish Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said the commission will not provide answers.
She added: “A commission which merely looks ahead, without considering the past, denies parents the right to know what happened to their children.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesman Jim Hume praised the Scottish Government’s announcement.
He said: “The inquiry and subsequent legislation should give parents the answers they need and it is right that ministers have agreed to do this on a Scotland-wide basis.”