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Baby ashes: Aberdeen City Council probes 'joint cremation' claim Baby ashes: Aberdeen City Council probes 'joint cremation' claim
(about 1 hour later)
A "serious allegation" concerning the "joint cremation of babies and adults" has been made about Aberdeen's Hazlehead Crematorium.A "serious allegation" concerning the "joint cremation of babies and adults" has been made about Aberdeen's Hazlehead Crematorium.
New council chief executive Angela Scott said the findings of an earlier independent audit would now have to be reconsidered.New council chief executive Angela Scott said the findings of an earlier independent audit would now have to be reconsidered.
It comes amid scrutiny of crematoria across Scotland and the issue of baby ashes.It comes amid scrutiny of crematoria across Scotland and the issue of baby ashes.
The council apologised for the "further uncertainty".The council apologised for the "further uncertainty".
The chief executive said in a statement: "Aberdeen City Council has endeavoured to be open and transparent about its own procedures at Hazlehead Crematorium.The chief executive said in a statement: "Aberdeen City Council has endeavoured to be open and transparent about its own procedures at Hazlehead Crematorium.
"I have received a serious allegation regarding practices at Hazlehead Crematorium."I have received a serious allegation regarding practices at Hazlehead Crematorium.
"The allegation relates to the joint cremation of babies and adults."The allegation relates to the joint cremation of babies and adults.
"In light of the allegation I now have to reconsider the findings of our independent audit which were published last year and I have advised Lord Bonomy's Infant Cremation Commission of this development.""In light of the allegation I now have to reconsider the findings of our independent audit which were published last year and I have advised Lord Bonomy's Infant Cremation Commission of this development."
She added: "I fully understand that public interest in this matter will be very high. I will, of course, share relevant information once I have it.She added: "I fully understand that public interest in this matter will be very high. I will, of course, share relevant information once I have it.
"On behalf of Aberdeen City Council, I want to take this opportunity to apologise for the further uncertainty that today's announcement creates."On behalf of Aberdeen City Council, I want to take this opportunity to apologise for the further uncertainty that today's announcement creates.
"I also want to take the opportunity to reassure members of the public that they will continue to receive a kind and caring service at Hazlehead Crematorium."I also want to take the opportunity to reassure members of the public that they will continue to receive a kind and caring service at Hazlehead Crematorium.
"I would ask anyone with any concerns to contact us directly by completing the online form or calling 01224 522255.""I would ask anyone with any concerns to contact us directly by completing the online form or calling 01224 522255."
'Cause anguish''Cause anguish'
Council leader Jenny Laing said: "The chief executive has indicated that she requires time to carry out a full and thorough investigation into this allegation.Council leader Jenny Laing said: "The chief executive has indicated that she requires time to carry out a full and thorough investigation into this allegation.
"Until we are in possession of all the facts it would be inappropriate to comment further."Until we are in possession of all the facts it would be inappropriate to comment further.
"This will understandably cause anguish among the community and be particularly difficult for bereaved families but we, as a council, will assist them in any way we can.""This will understandably cause anguish among the community and be particularly difficult for bereaved families but we, as a council, will assist them in any way we can."
Police Scotland said it was not involved with the allegation.Police Scotland said it was not involved with the allegation.
A spokesman for the Scottish government described the latest allegation concerning Hazlehead as "concerning" and said it was right that it was now being "thoroughly investigated" by the council.
He added: "We are seeking reassurances from the council that these practices are no longer taking place at the crematorium."
Lord Bonomy, chairman of the Infant Cremation Commission, is expected to submit his recommendations on polices and practices at crematoriums across Scotland to the Scottish government later this week.
Aberdeen City Council revealed last month it had changed its processes for the cremation of children.Aberdeen City Council revealed last month it had changed its processes for the cremation of children.
The council said that, since last November, ashes have been recovered in all cases and returned to the parents.The council said that, since last November, ashes have been recovered in all cases and returned to the parents.
BBC Scotland revealed last year that no ashes had been offered to the families of infants cremated at Hazlehead Crematorium over a five-year period.BBC Scotland revealed last year that no ashes had been offered to the families of infants cremated at Hazlehead Crematorium over a five-year period.