Eight urns recovered by police from Glasgow funeral directors amid 'missing ashes' probe

Eight urns containing cremated remains have been recovered from a funeral directors at the centre of an investigation into missing ashes.

Specialist officers carried out a search of A Milne Independent Funeral Directors on Balornock Road in Glasgow earlier this month after several families reported allegations of ashes going missing, and financial misconduct.

Eight containers of ashes have been handed over to Argyll and Bute Council.

At least one family has been told they were handed the wrong remains and scattered the ashes of a stranger rather than their loved one.

Others are said to be awaiting a confirmation letter from the council who are storing the remains until they are returned to families at Cardross Crematorium.

A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: “Following a recent investigation by Police Scotland, we have taken eight containers of ashes, discovered on the premises of A Milne Funeral Directors, back into our care at Cardross Crematorium.

“They will remain in our safe-keeping until they can be returned to the applicants for cremation.

Glasgow & West

Family still waiting for dad’s ashes to be returned after three years

A Milne Independent Funeral Directors has been accused of not returning ashes.

“The families have all been contacted, and a senior manager will be available to meet with them when they come to Cardross.”

Police said enquiries are ongoing into the firm, which had offices in Dumbarton and Glasgow – both of which are now closed.

Detective inspector Gerry Shovlin, Clydebank CID, said: “This is a very sensitive and emotive case and we recognise the upset and distress that families have experienced.

“Our investigation has been going on for several weeks now and will continue for some time, due to the level of enquiry that will need to be followed up.

“It is a complex inquiry that involves a number of agencies, but families can be reassured that the ashes of their loved ones are a priority and will be treated with the utmost respect.”

Funeral home failed to prepare body properly, says family. STV News

A grieving family told STV News that they entrusted their uncle’s body to the directors but the firm failed to prepare it in line with his final wishes.

“He hadnt been embalmed, he was discoloured, his lips and things weren’t how they should have been,” David Breslin’s neice Klair Sloss said.

Another family said they are still waiting for their loved one’s ashes three years after entrusting them to the funeral directors.

Dennis Smillie’s family organised a funeral for their dad with the firm after he passed away in 2021, who offered to deliver the ashes but did not follow through.

A Milne Funeral Directors has been approached for comment.

If you wish to contact police regarding this investigation, then you can call officers via 101 quoting incident number 1289 of May 2, 2024 or contact Police Scotland via the dedicated enquiry email address at Operationkoine@scotland.police.uk