Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 21 March 2025
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has any plans to reform the process for exhumation applications for ashes, in light of reports that the new system has moved away from independent crematory management, which was inexpensive, and now requires families to go through solicitors, which can reportedly cost more that £5,000.
The current procedure for applications for exhumation has been in place for many years. It involves the engagement of a solicitor who will apply to the sheriff court for a warrant to disinter. The process can be lengthy, complex and incur significant cost.
The Scottish Government is developing regulations on exhumation which will remove applications from the sheriff court, making the process more straightforward and less expensive for applicants.