Human ashes from funeral homes under investigation handed over to local authorities

Eight urns containing human ashes discovered at the site of a now-closed funeral home currently under police investigation have been handed over to the local authority.

Argyll and Bute Council has received the containers containing the cremated remains from Police Scotland after they were found at the premises of A Milne Independent Funeral Directors on Balornock Road in Glasgow.

Detectives had previously launched an investigation into the now-closed business following allegations that ashes had gone missing, families had received the wrong remains and financial misconduct had occurred.

The family-run business had offices in Springburn, Glasgow and Dumbarton, West Dunbartonshire and its website has been taken offline.

One woman, Emma Weir, had previously stated that her father’s body had not been properly identified, his body had been left in a refrigerator for eight days after being collected by A. Milne and her mother had only received half of her £1,400 deposit back, despite allegedly the undertaker failing in its duty to the family.

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

A council spokesman said: “Following a recent investigation by Police Scotland, we have returned eight containers of ashes discovered on the premises of A Milne Funeral Directors to our care at Cardross Crematorium.

“They will remain in our care until they can be released to the applicants for cremation. All families have been contacted and a senior manager will be available to meet them when they come to Cardross.”

Detective Inspector Gerry Shovlin, previously of Clydebank CID, said: “This is a very sensitive and emotional case and we are aware of the upset and distress the families have experienced.”

“Our investigation has been ongoing for several weeks now and will continue for some time due to the scope of the investigations that need to be followed up.

“It is a complex investigation involving multiple agencies, but families can be assured that their loved ones’ ashes are a priority and will be treated with the utmost respect.”

Scottish police have been contacted for comment.