Probe into 'missing ashes' continues as search of Glasgow funeral directors concludes

A search of a funeral parlour at the centre of an investigation into missing cremated remains and alleged financial misconduct has concluded.

Specialist officers have been carrying out searches at A Milne Independent Funeral Directors on Balornock Road since May 3.

Police Scotland said it had been investigating the funeral directors for several weeks and would likely continue to do so for “some time”.

Enquiries to establish any criminality are ongoing with the investigation described as “complex”.

Glasgow & West

Family appalled after funeral directors ‘failed to embalm’ uncle’s body

A Milne Independent Funeral Directors is being investigated by Police Scotland.

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.”

A grieving family has told STV News how they entrusted their uncle’s body to A Milne Funeral Independent Funeral Directors but the firm failed to prepare it in line with his final wishes.

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.

“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 has told how 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 the dad with A Milne Funeral Directors in West Dunbartonshire after he passed away in 2021.

The family said the firm offered to deliver the ashes.

Three years later, they are still waiting for that to happen, and the Dumbarton branch has now closed.

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