Changes to Aberdeen Crematorium rules

19 January 2016

Changes to rules at Aberdeen Crematorium were agreed by Aberdeen City Council at a meeting today.

Two main changes were agreed by members of the City Council's Communities, Housing and Infrastructure committee after requests from members of the public.

They include how long ashes are retained for, and about open coffins.

The report said ashes will be retained free of charge for eight weeks following the date of the cremation, compared to four weeks which was previously the case.

Aberdeen City Council Communities, Housing and Infrastructure convener Councillor Neil Cooney said: "These changes have been asked for by the public and I'm sure they will be very welcome."

The rules agreed at committee also state at the end of the eight weeks, unless arrangements have been made for the disposal or retention of the ashes, notice shall be given by recorded delivery mail to the person who made application for the service. This notice would state the ashes will be scattered at the expiry of two weeks from the date of the letter unless other arrangements are made.

The committee agreed permission can be given to open the coffin within the premises where prior agreement has been made with the Crematorium Manager and the Crematorium's procedures are adhered to.

The report further stated that placing of commemorative benches, plants or trees in the Garden of Remembrance is only permitted at the discretion of the City Council.

The committee further agreed from the report a rule that no memorials, vases or any other types of flower containers are permitted to be placed in the Gardens of Remembrance. Flowers may be placed in the Gardens of Remembrance and these shall be cleared away when they become unsightly, of which the Crematorium Manager shall be the sole judge.