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05/12/2012
Babies Ashes Found To Be Buried In Mass Grave
An investigation has been launched after it was found that the cremated remains of babies were buried in a mass unmarked grave at an Edinburgh crematorium.
Sands, a bereavement charity, has said Mortonhall Crematorium told parents there would be nothing to scatter after a baby's cremation.
But the ashes of stillborn or babies who died within days were then buried in a garden of remembrance.
The practice ended in 2011 but it is thought there could be hundreds of cases.
It is understood it had been happening for about 45 years at the council-run crematorium.
Lesley Hinds, Edinburgh City Council's environment convener, said: "I want to offer my deepest apologies to all those families who have been affected by this dreadful and completely unacceptable situation.
"As soon as I became aware of this heartbreaking matter I met with Sands to express my sincere regret and reassure them I will do everything in my power to find out how this happened.
"It is reassuring that this practice no longer occurs, although nothing can ever fully make up for the hurt families may have suffered as a result of this unacceptable situation.
"We now need to establish exactly what has gone on previously and how it was allowed to happen. We are already discussing with Sands some form of memorial as a mark of respect."
(H/GK)
Sands, a bereavement charity, has said Mortonhall Crematorium told parents there would be nothing to scatter after a baby's cremation.
But the ashes of stillborn or babies who died within days were then buried in a garden of remembrance.
The practice ended in 2011 but it is thought there could be hundreds of cases.
It is understood it had been happening for about 45 years at the council-run crematorium.
Lesley Hinds, Edinburgh City Council's environment convener, said: "I want to offer my deepest apologies to all those families who have been affected by this dreadful and completely unacceptable situation.
"As soon as I became aware of this heartbreaking matter I met with Sands to express my sincere regret and reassure them I will do everything in my power to find out how this happened.
"It is reassuring that this practice no longer occurs, although nothing can ever fully make up for the hurt families may have suffered as a result of this unacceptable situation.
"We now need to establish exactly what has gone on previously and how it was allowed to happen. We are already discussing with Sands some form of memorial as a mark of respect."
(H/GK)
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