Glasgow funeral directors expelled by National Association of Funeral Directors amid missing ashes probe

A funeral directors from Glasgow has been expelled from the National Association of Funeral Directors amid an investigation into claims of missing ashes.

The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) said that following a disciplinary investigation A Milne Funeral Directors will be permanently excluded from the association, with immediate effect.

Police launched a probe into the business, that has since closed, following allegations of ashes going missing, families being given the wrong remains, and financial misconduct.

The expulsion comes just days after Glasgow City Council confirmed that 19 urns were recovered during the police search of the address near Springburn Park have been handed over to them.

The council has taken responsibility for two of the caskets with 12 going to three other crematoria.

Four of the remains found have not yet been identified and will require further direction from the Scottish Government Inspector.

The family-run firm had branches in Springburn, Glasgow, and Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire.

Police Scotland conducted a search of the premises in Balornock Road, Springburn earlier this month adding that any ashes found would “be treated with the utmost respect”.

The NAFD Disciplinary Committee met this week and decided to expel the firm.

An NAFD spokesperson said: “Following a disciplinary investigation, A Milne Funeral Directors in Dumbarton and Glasgow has been expelled from the National Association of Funeral Directors.

“The decision, made by the NAFD Disciplinary Committee following a hearing, stipulated that A Milne Funeral Directors will be permanently excluded from the Association, with immediate effect.

“Representatives from A Milne chose not to attend the hearing.

“Furthermore, all directors associated with the company will be excluded from NAFD membership in respect of any alternative funeral business of which they are a director, now or in the future.

“The series of allegations received related to a pattern of behaviour not compatible with the Independent Funeral Standards Organisation (IFSO) Funeral Director Code.”

Argyll and Bute Council said that it has taken eight containers of ashes back into its care at Cardross Crematorium after they were found on the premises of A Milne Funeral Directors and handed to the local authority by police.

Detective Inspector Gerry Shovlin, of Clydebank CID, previously 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 inquiry 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.”

A Milne Independent Funeral Directors has been approached for comment.