Community and Enterprise Resources
Bereavement Services
Bereavement Services Information pack
South Lanarkshire Cemeteries
South Lanarkshire Council manages and maintains 54 cemeteries and it is our intention to offer
a high standard of care with various options to ensure that each member of the community can
have a funeral which is meaningful to them and their family.
We are a community service and as such we have no commercial incentives leaving us able to
provide you with free and objective advice.
Whilst we primarily provide burial grounds for those living in South Lanarkshire, non-residents
can pre-purchase a lair and be buried in our cemeteries. In line with other Scottish local
authorities, a surcharge is added to the standard charge, with the exception of North
Lanarkshire residents as we have a reciprocal arrangement.
The land in our 54 cemeteries is maintained by our Grounds Maintenance team. If you have
a grounds maintenance service request or want to comment on cemetery maintenance,
please contact Land Services on 0303 123 1020 or email
[email protected]
Lair rights
Each lair is sold for two or three interments and the 'Right of Burial' which makes the lair private,
is sold in perpetuity meaning it lasts forever.
Memorials
The memorials that can be placed on lairs are outlined in lair types. Kerbstones or other
memorials which cover the full lair are not permitted. The memorial is the responsibility of the
lair owner and this includes safe erection and long term maintenance.
Lair types
Lawn lair - these have a grass surface and can have a memorial placed at its head. The
memorial including stone vases, can be in any natural stone and cannot exceed 4ft high, 3ft
6" wide and 1ft 6" in depth (122cm high, 107cm wide and 45cm in depth). Memorials with
dimensions outwith these sizes require special permission from us.
Common lair - for those who do not wish to purchase a private lair. If you choose this type
of lair, it may already have an unrelated interment or a second unrelated interment could
happen in the future.
Baby and infant graves - we do not have specifically reserved ground for babies and infants.
We would also advise that such interments are carried out within the lawn lairs so that the
parents can be interred with the child when they die.
Cremated remains lairs - these are the same as lawn lairs and can accept numerous caskets.
Memorials can also be erected on these lairs.
Reserved lairs - the 'Right of Burial' can be purchased in advance and this can also occur where
a funeral plan is being purchased or when a funeral is being organised by a funeral director.
Some families prefer to do this so that their children are aware of their wishes and to reduce
funeral costs. A memorial can be erected if desired with sufficient space to place inscriptions.
South Lanarkshire Crematorium
South Lanarkshire Crematorium opened in September 2006 and this modern, light and airy
facility sits in tranquil landscaped gardens with views to the north over the Clyde Valley.
The crematorium has parking for around 140 cars and can accommodate disabled visitors.
The service area seats approximately 160 with the capacity to accommodate a further 100
people in the lobby.
We can help arrange an organist or can provide advice on the range of facilities available.
Memorial garden
The memorial garden is in a peaceful countryside setting in the grounds of the crematorium.
Memorials are a source of calm to the bereaved and how you commemorate a loved one is a
personal choice. They can range from simple but effective to being tailor made to the family's
specification.
The bereaved will be able to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one through a variety of
memorials. There are soft memorials for example, roses or trees which will require more care
and attention in comparison to the more traditional and formal options. These include benches,
wall plaques, sanctums or by personal entry into the traditional or digital book of remembrance.
Options available include traditional or granite benches, kerb, rockery or wall sanctums/plaques,
a children's garden or children's bible plaque.
To view the range of memorials and available plots, please visit South Lanarkshire Crematorium
at Sydes Brae, Blantyre, G72 OTL. You can also telephone 0303 123 1020 or email
[email protected] for more information.
Our commitment to you
General aims
•
•
•
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To treat you in a courteous and helpful way and give you accurate information and
advice when you telephone, email or write to us
To provide a fair service to you irrespective of age, gender, disability, colour, ethnic
origin, religion or sexual orientation
To ensure that staff receive the necessary training to maintain and improve standards
of service
To acknowledge correspondence within two working days of receipt and provide a full
response within 10 working days
Service improvements
Complaints
You are entitled to complain if
•
We do something wrong
•
We fail to do something we said we would
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You were not treated courteously or efficiently by a member of our staff
Complaints are an important way of monitoring the effectiveness of our services and staff.
You can make a complaint in writing to:
Land and Fleet Services
18 Forrest Street
Blantyre
G72 OJP
Alternatively, you can phone us on 0303 123 1020 or via e-mail
[email protected] We aim to respond to initial complaints within
five working days.
If the problem is complicated or time consuming you will be advised of how long it could take us
to get back to you. If you are not satisfied with the response, you have the right to appeal to the
Executive Director of Community Resources at:
Council Headquarters
Almada Street
Hamilton
ML3 0AA
If you remain dissatisfied, you can write to the Chief Executive at Council Headquarters
(address above) providing a detailed account of your complaint and the response you have
received.
At any time, you can seek help and advice from your local councillor.
If you remain dissatisfied having gone through the full complaints process, you can contact the
Scottish Public Service Ombudsman within one year:
Scottish Public Service Ombudsman
Freepost SPSO
Phone: 0870 011 5378
Web: www.scottishombudsman.org.uk
Monitoring
As well as monitoring customer comments and complaints we have developed an online
questionnaire which is optional and can also be obtained by contacting Bereavement Services.
Responses will be collated and submitted to our management team.
Service plan
Each year, land and fleet services is required to document aims and objectives for the coming
year along with detailed financial projections and performance targets.
To obtain a copy, please write to
South Lanarkshire Council
Community Resources
Environmental and Strategic Services
Almada Street
Hamilton
ML3 0AA
Charter for the Bereaved
South Lanarkshire Council has adopted the Charter for the Bereaved issued by the Institute of
Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM). The Charter Is committed to improving the
service by being more upfront about death rather than disguising it. It sets out the rights of every
individual who experiences bereavement and gives them greater influence over funeral
arrangements, thereby controlling costs and offering more satisfaction.
The Charter guarantees 30 rights surrounding burial and these are incorporated into the
services outlined. If you require a copy of the 72 page book it can be purchased from us at a
cost of £10. It contains a wide range of information on cemeteries, services, coffins, funeral
directing, embalming and so on.
Opening hours and contact details
Opening hours
Crematorium
Monday to Thursday
Friday
Saturday
9.00am-5.00pm
9.00am-4.30pm
9.00am-1 .00pm
Visitors can also visit the grounds and book room from 9am-1 pm on Sundays and public
holidays.
Cemeteries (open every day)
April to September
8.00am-8.00pm
October
8.00am-6.00pm
November to February
8.00am-4.30pm
March
8.00am-6.00pm
Bereavement Services office (burial and cremation bookings)
Monday to Thursday
8.45am-4.45pm
Friday
8.45am-4.15pm
Saturday
9.00am-12noon
Contact details
For more information phone 0303 123 1020 or email us at
[email protected]
Arranging a burial or cremation
We are responsible for managing and maintaining burial grounds throughout Clydesdale, East
Kilbride, Hamilton, Strathaven, Rutherglen and Cambuslang. We also provide cremation
facilities at South Lanarkshire Crematorium at Sydes Brae, Blantyre.
Arranging a burial or cremation for a loved one is thankfully a task you may not have to perform
very often. As such, in times of grief, the process can be daunting as well as distressing and is
the reason most people turn to a funeral director for professional help.
Although convenient, this increases costs and can reduce the amount of personal input that you
have. You can make the funeral arrangements yourself and if you have a way of transporting
the coffin and the deceased, you can make all the arrangements directly with us.
The average funeral costs around £2500 (based on 2008 costs) and a memorial roughly £750. If
you are in receipt of benefits, you may be entitled to Social Fund Assistance although this is
increasingly difficult. No other financial assistance is available.
We do not have a chapel to hold services at our cemeteries. As a result, the funeral services are
usually held at a local church, chapel or funeral director's parlour before arriving at the cemetery
or crematorium. A short committal service then takes place at the graveside. This can be
religious or secular (non religious) although some choose not to have a service at all.
The service can be conducted by anyone and not necessarily a minister or a priest.
Burials
The process for organising a burial is as follows:
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The doctor issues a medical certificate detailing the cause of death to the next of kin
•
The next of kin takes the medical certificate to the Registrar who then issues a
Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 14)
•
The next of kin contacts a funeral director to arrange the funeral
•
The funeral director contacts us to arrange a suitable date, time and place of funeral
and to purchase a lair if required
•
When an existing lair needs to be re-opened, the next of kin will be required to
provide proof of ownership (title deeds)
•
We will arrange for the lair to be opened prior to the funeral and also provide
cemetery staff to help and supervise the lowering of the coffin
•
The Certificate of Registration of Death must be passed to cemetery staff which can
be done by the funeral director
Summary of form required
Who can I obtain this from?
Medical certificate
Doctor
Certificate of Registration of Death
(Form 14)
Registrar
Application for interment
Bereavement Services
Title deeds to lair
Next of kin, solicitor
(if pre purchased)
Cremations
The process for organising a cremation is as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
The doctor issues a medical certificate detailing the cause of death to the next of kin
The next of kin takes the medical certificate to the Registrar who then issues a
Certificate of Registration of Death (Form 14)
The next of kin contacts a funeral director to arrange the funeral
The funeral director contacts us to arrange a suitable date, time and place of
cremation and to receive Notice of Cremation forms
The funeral director will then explain the procedure and highlight if there are any
problems relating to the forms
Summary of form required
Who can I obtain this from?
Medical certificate (Form B)
Doctor
Certificate of Registration of Death
(Form 14)
Registrar
Application for cremation
(Form A)
Bereavement Services, completed by
next of kin
Confirmatory medical certificate
(Form C)
Second doctor
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to have a minister or priest to conduct the service?
A service can be conducted by anyone although it is not unusual for a burial or cremation to
take place without a service of any kind.
Do I need to have a religious service?
No. If preferred a humanist, family member or friend can conduct the service.
How do I arrange for a minister or priest to conduct the service?
The funeral director can arrange this on your behalf however you must supply details if you
have someone specific in mind. A fee may be charged for their services.
Where can I hold the service?
You can hold the service in a church, chapel, the crematorium chapel or if you would prefer, at
the graveside.
What kind of music can I have?
Traditionally, the services of an organist can be arranged . Alternatively, you can provide prerecorded music which has special meaning although this would need to be checked with the
relevant minister, priest or other person conducting the service.
What kind of coffins can be used?
Subject to meeting some technical requirements, you can use a home made coffin or purchase
one directly from a supplier other than your funeral director.
What about organ donations?
Organs cannot be removed without the prior permission of the deceased. Many families gain
comfort from knowing that the death of their loved one can help save lives. It is important that
anyone wishing to donate organs, carries a donor card with them at all times and that their next
of kin are aware of their wishes.
Our promise to the bereaved
(Due to the nature of this document some people may find its contents upsetting)
All cremation and burial facilities will be managed with competence and efficiency, to ensure no
errors or insensitivity, and will meet the religious, secular, ethnic and cultural needs of the
bereaved. The service will comply with all statutory and Health and Safety requirements.
Service sensitivity
The burial or cremation of a human body is a highly emotional occasion for those taking part.
Each cemetery and crematorium will be managed to create and maintain an atmosphere of
solace and respect throughout the entire proceedings. This sensitivity must extend to all staff
and contractors working at facilities. We will respond sympathetically to individual funeral needs
and will give justifiable reasons for refusing any specific request.
Staff
All staff possess qualifications and take part in recognised training specific to their duties. At
senior management level, the minimum requirement is the Diploma of the Institute of Cemetery
and Crematorium Management. Staff will act and speak in a manner that recognises the
sensitivity of bereavement, both during and outside working hours, and will not accept gratuities.
All staff will wear name badges.
Environmental issues
We are committed to minimising the impact of bereavement upon the environment. We
encourage the use of environmentally friendly materials, particularly for coffins and containers
used for burial or cremation, reducing the use of fossil fuels and carbon emissions and the use
of suitable ground for burial so that water borne pollution will not occur. Any metal residues
found in cremated remains can be recycled should you wish.
Individual disposal
It is important for the bereaved to know that the burial or cremation is carried out individually
and the following requirements must, therefore, be met:
General conditions
(a)
No coffin/container/shroud will be accepted at a cemetery unless the name of the
deceased is clearly shown.
(b)
The identity shown on the coffin/container/shroud will be verified at every funeral.
(c)
If it is a burial, the body and its coffin/container/shroud will be placed in the identified
grave.
(d)
If it is a cremation , the body will be cremated individually and the correct identity will
be maintained throughout the process.
Cremation requirements
(a)
A body will not be removed from the crematorium after the service of committal, except
by order of a Procurator Fiscal or for some other valid reason. The container and the
body will be placed in a cremator and cremation started no later than 24 hou rs after
the service of committal.
(b)
Where cremation may not be carried out on the same day, the Applicant for Cremation
will be notified, The coffin or container with the body inside will not be opened or
otherwise disturbed, other than in exceptional circumstances, and then only with the
express permission and in the presence of the Applicant for Cremation.
(c)
(d)
(e)
Once a coffin or container has been placed in the cremator, it will not be disturbed until
the cremation is complete. On completion, all of the remains will be removed from the
cremator and reduced to granular form except where this is specifically not requested,
and will be disposed of or released according to the instructions of the Applicant for
Cremation.
Cremated remains placed in the Garden of Remembrance will be treated with
reverence and respect. If strewn, they should be obscured by soil or brushing. Ashes
strewn in the form of a cross or other pattern, are acceptable providing they are later
dispersed.
Cremated remains must be labelled and released in suitable, unused containers, and
where sent by post or carrier, capable of Withstanding transit without damage.
Burial requirements
(a)
After the coffin/container/shroud and body have been committed into the grave, they
will not be removed or otherwise disturbed except for lawful exhumation, by licence
and/or faculty or by the order of a Procurator Fiscal.
(b)
Immediately after the mourners have left the graveside, the grave will be backfilled and
made tidy. This work will be completed on the day of the burial and will not extend
overnight.
Inspection
Everyone has the right to inspect the crematorium or cemetery during normal working hours,
upon application to the manager of the facility.
Funerals without a funeral director
It is not a legal requirement to have a funeral director organise a funeral. Although a funeral
director organises the majority of funerals, some people prefer to organise the funeral
themselves.
The funeral director typically collects and moves the body, arranges the embalming and viewing
of the deceased, provides a coffin, hearse and other elements. Carrying out these services
relieves the bereaved from doing what they may feel are unpleasant and difficult tasks.
Ultimately, the funeral director must operate commercially and funerals can be expensive. In
addition, the funeral director may impose on the arrangements.
Some people don't use a funeral director and this can be for a variety of reasons. Some feel that
handing the body of a loved one over to strangers is wrong while some feel that personally
organising the funeral is their final tribute to the deceased. Others simply want to save money
by doing everything themselves or may have had a bad experience of using a funeral director in
the past. Some feel that funerals arranged with a funeral director are routine and processed,
and prefer an original and different approach. It is your right to make this decision without giving
a reason.
The entire funeral can be handled by the bereaved family and we can help you. Such a funeral
is referred to as "personalised" or "independent". At the moment many funeral directors will not
sell coffins separately or offer the use of a hearse unless the entire package is purchased.
Consequently, personalised funeral arrangers use their own vehicles or hire vans instead of a
hearse. They may also make their own coffin or use a biodegradable type.
Some may feel that this type of funeral lacks dignity but paying top prices with a funeral director
infers that money can buy dignity.
Funerals arranged by the bereaved are much more personal which evokes more emotion and
often celebrate the life of the deceased in a more moving way.
'Green' funeral directors have recently emerged, promoting bio-degradable coffins and a more
personal approach. Funeral facilitators, who will help the bereaved arrange a funeral for a fee
are also appearing. Some offer a vehicle to carry the coffin and help handle the body. Other
people, such as nurses, offer laying-out or body preparation services, to people who do not feel
able to do this themselves. This is particularly relevant when a person dies at home or in a
"hospice at home" scheme. These changes are evidence of a return to past times, when the
community helped arrange the funeral.
Charter for the Bereaved
Your rights
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It is your right to organise a funeral without the use of a funeral director.
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It is your right, as executor (or next of kin) to be given the body by a mortuary, hospital
and so on so that you can carry out a funeral without a funeral director.
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It is your right to obtain a coffin (minimum bio-degradable type) via an independent
supplier which we can help you with.
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It is your right to obtain a personalised or independent funeral information from us
describing how to arrange a funeral without a funeral director.
Charter targets
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Charter members should ensure that the bereaved are aware of these rights, and that
personalised or independent funerals offer social as well as financial benefits to the
community.
•
Charter members should increase coffin choice wherever possible. The availability of a
standard chipboard coffin is recommended, as well as a bio-degradable option. Coffins
need not be stocked, provided a reliable source is identified. Where green burial options
are offered, a bio-degradable coffin should be available.
•
Charter members may need to consider introducing a fee for personalised or independent
funerals, to reflect any additional work arising over the absence of a funeral director.
•
Charter members should consider whether new funeral options can be offered to the
bereaved, which reduces the monopoly control of funeral directors. The following services
have been suggested for further consideration taking into account the limitations (ultra
vires) imposed on local authorities:
 A body collection service without a traditional hearse, followed by cremation
and the return or placement of the cremated remains.

Having a hearse (or equivalent estate car) available for hire, to enable people
to carry out funerals.
Funerals with a funeral director
The Charter for the Bereaved is unable to offer you rights and standards related to the use of a
funeral director. The following information is included to help you understand how funeral
directing operates. It will enable you to ask questions appropriate to your needs when you
consider arranging a funeral.
Although we can advise you about funeral arrangements, we cannot recommend a particular
funeral director. Funeral directors are listed in telephone directories, newspapers or online and
the Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to help.
Funeral directing as a profession appeared towards the end of the 1700s. Before then, funerals
were organised by individuals, such as a joiner, a gravedigger and the clergy and were followed
by a churchyard burial. In Victorian times, the commercial side developed and the funeral
director began organising funerals and providing transportation. Funerals have hardly altered
since then with petrol engines replacing horsepower and cremation replacing burial in
churchyards. The predominance of men in the Victorian period remains unchanged and there
are currently very few women acting as funeral directors or bearers.
Funeral directors can set up in business without training or qualifications, and they don't need a
licence. No universal standard applies and consequently, separating a good funeral director
from an indifferent one is difficult. Some funeral directors are members of professional
organisations, who may operate a code of conduct and a complaints procedure. The National
Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral
Directors (SAl F) are examples of these.
A typical funeral directors package is as follows:
•
The executor or the person arranging the funeral telephones the funeral director, who
will arrange to see them and discuss the funeral arrangements.
•
The funeral director will collect the body, either from home, a mortuary or a nursing
home and prepare it for viewing, which may include routine embalming (cosmetic
treatment).
•
A choice of coffins is usually offered and the deceased can be viewed, by appointment in
a chapel of rest. On some occasions, the coffined body will be taken back to the
deceased's home or other venue if you wish .
•
The funeral director will contact us and arrange the date and time of the funeral and will
ensure that the certificates and forms are completed and returned. They will give us
the details about the form of service and the music, if required.
•
The funeral director will pay the various fees involved, called disbursements. These
include the cemetery or crematorium fees, ministers fee and so on.
•
The details of floral tributes and newspaper obituaries will also be arranged .
•
A hearse and following limousines will be provided and the funeral will take place under
the guidance of the funeral director.
•
The bill will be sent after the funeral. It should be itemised and should clearly define the
disbursements paid on behalf of the person arranging the funeral.
Although funeral directors help, console and guide the bereaved and are often beneficial, they
are not beyond criticism. Some of the issues surrounding funeral directing are as follows:
Price transparency
Most funerals are sold as a package and it can be difficult to obtain the actual price of each
component. This makes it difficult if you don't want some of the components included in the
package. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) suggests that price transparency should apply to
funeral directing charges which would mean that each item would be priced upfront, allowing
you to choose less or more according to what you want. For example, you could keep the body
at home but buy a coffin and use a hearse from a funeral director, completing the rest of the
arrangements yourself. Such a funeral would allow more personal involvement by the family and
would be less expensive.
Funeral directors in general, do not offer price transparency and continue to promote the
package funeral. Compare this with a garage bill - you pay an identified price for each part of a
car service including oils and other materials used. To this, they add an identifiable labour bill. In
contrast, some funeral directors prefer not to charge a labour bill for the time they put into a
funeral. They cover the cost of their time, by including it into the cost of the coffin, use of
vehicles and so on.
The coffin is the item that will carry the greatest proportion of their costs and consequently, they
can seem expensive. The cost (2008) of a standard chipboard coffin, fitted out for a funeral,
might be £80 to £120 but this will typically sell for £500 to £900 and sometimes much higher.
As alternative suppliers are not readily available, it can be difficult to avoid this cost but funeral
directors do not have to supply coffins as a part of their service. You could obtain a coffin, a
casket, floral tributes, memorials and so on from somewhere else.
Range of facilities
Not all funeral directors are large, commercial concerns with an extensive range of facilities.
Many funeral directors, particularly in rural areas, are small businesses. They may not have a
chapel of rest or facilities to embalm and may hire the hearse and cars from other companies.
You should consider this before you choose a funeral director. For instance, if you want an
informal funeral, you could replace the hearse with the estate car that many funeral directors
routinely use to collect bodies from mortuaries and nursing homes. To avoid the use of
limousines, you could also use your own vehicles to meet at the church, cemetery or
crematorium.
Some funeral directors own or have arrangements with firms that supply floral tributes and
memorials. This may be convenient as part of a complete funeral package but you could use an
independent supplier.
Innovations in funeral directing
Around the country, there are innovations in funeral directing and we can advise you what's
happening in South Lanarkshire. There are independent funeral directors, coffin companies and
green undertaking firms who offer a price menu, bio-degradable coffins and may facilitate green
funerals.
Ownership of firms
There has been a decline in the number of local family run funeral directors - most are now
owned by large firms and the new owners may not be shown on shop signs or letterheads.
These firms may continue trading on the caring qualities and local connection of the old family
firm.
The law
Common law recognises that a funeral consists of a sequence of tasks and events, all of which
must be satisfactory. Where even a single part is performed unsatisfactorily, the payment of the
entire funeral account may be disputed by the person paying for the funeral. The
disbursements are not part of the funeral director's charge and must be paid. In South
Lanarkshire, some funeral directors must have the disbursements paid in advance of the
funeral.
It should be noted that whoever orders the funeral becomes liable for the funeral costs. In some
cases, a friend has organised a funeral only to find that the deceased had no estate or monies
and they have found themselves liable for the whole cost of the funeral.
Paying for the funeral
Many people worry about their ability to pay for a funeral but this can be reduced by considering
the funeral in advance. This will allow costs to be identified and possibly reduced. The
information provided should help you make decisions and get quotations in advance.
Some people buy a funeral plan. There are several options available but they need careful
consideration and you also need to consider the possibility that cheaper funeral options may
arise in the future.
If you buy a funeral plan you should consider it very carefully as some of the basic options may
not be enough when you actually die. For instance, extra may have to be paid for viewing the
body, or embalming, if these parts of the funeral were not included in your plan. The plan may
also be restricted to the use of a named funeral director. The Office of Fair Trading investigated
funeral plans in 1994 and has recommended a number of safeguards to protect money paid into
such schemes. You should ensure that the funds are held in trust, with independent trustees.
Funeral plans may be paid by instalments or by a lump sum payment. This allows the funeral to
be paid at current prices, without further worry about escalating funeral costs in the future.
Payment can be made through any participating funeral director, or direct to Golden Charter,
Chosen Heritage or similar schemes.
Insurance companies offer policies to cover funeral bills, which you can pay over a number of
years. Some funeral directors will open a joint account with you, or offer other options to deposit
money to pay the funeral account in the future If the person responsible for the funeral or their
partner is receiving certain benefits, financial help to pay for the funeral may be available from
the Social Fund. A priority order has been introduced to establish who should be considered
responsible for the funeral payment. This may be one or more relatives. No commitment
towards paying the funeral should be made until the responsible person(s) has been
established.
Good advice on paying for the funeral and about funerals in general, can be found in the
publications issued by the Benefits Agency. These include 'Help when someone dies' (leaflet
FB29) and 'What to do after a death' (leaflet D49). Age Concern offers funeral advice and a fact
sheet called 'Arranging a funeral'. Other organisations offer help and your local Citizens Advice
Bureau is a useful source of information.
The ultimate cost of a funeral can be reduced by purchasing some elements in advance. A
grave can be bought and a memorial placed before death. Although a coffin can be bought or
constructed in advance, you need to make sure that it will be used by any funeral director
contracted for the funeral.
Finally, when a person dies in South Lanarkshire and there is nobody prepared to arrange and
pay for the funeral, South Lanarkshire Council will fulfil this obligation.
Donations at funerals
Some people are concerned about the amount spent on wreaths and floral tributes at funerals.
An alternative is to organise a collection for a named charity, hospice or other deserving cause.
If donations are being requested, please advise your family and funeral director in advance.
Non religious cremation services
Non religious services are usually carried out by a Humanist officiant, member of the family,
friend or colleague. You can choose your own music for entry, reflection and departure although
Humanist services do not allow hymns. A non religious service can take many forms and
Humanist officiants are well versed in delivering these. However, if a family member or friend is
presenting the service, a general outline is provided below.
Introduction
The person conducting the service would generally talk about the deceased based on
information provided by family and friends. Music can be played as mourners enter.
Reflection
A moment of quiet may be included, during which those with a religious belief might wish to say
a prayer. Music can also be played during this time.
Committal
Members of the family could say farewell first, by placing a rose or flower on the coffin.
However, a committal does not have to be done.
Closing words
The person conducting the service can thank particular people if appropriate and invite
mourners to the gathering if one has been organised. At this point, mourners would also be
advised if there is a charity collection and details provided. Music is generally played whilst the
mourners leave.
This is a basic outline and families can include whatever they feel is appropriate. However, time
restrictions must be adhered to and agreed beforehand.
Burials on private land
Although burials generally occur in cemeteries or churchyards, there are some exceptions.
Families with large estates have routinely built a mausoleum or similar building on their land, for
the burial of family members. Some people have been buried in farmland and others in gardens.
The Natural Death Centre, a charity formed to support a less formal routine for funerals, as well
as a better approach to death generally has produced a publication called
'Green Burial', which explains how to arrange these burials within legal and planning
requirements.
This type of burial is advantageous if you want to organise a very personal funeral throughout
which you maintain control. You are able to reduce costs significantly by avoiding the use of a
funeral director, by making your own coffin or dispensing with this altogether, and not having to
purchase a grave in a cemetery. It is essential that you obtain permission to complete a burial,
where you are not the landowner of the ground involved. You are also advised to notify any
individual or mortgage company that has an interest in the property. Access to the grave may be
denied or restricted by change of ownership.
The difficulties are also significant, although these vary according to the location. Most locations
fall into two categories, on farmland and in a garden.
Farmland
These locations are rarely overlooked and a burial should not offend neighbours or the general
public at large. The grave site should be on land with a deep water table and be sufficient
distance from watercourses so as not to pose a pollution threat. Electrical or other services must
obviously be avoided. A limited number of burials over a period of time may not constitute a
'change of use' and no planning approval is necessary. Information from the Natural Death
Centre states "Recent local authority Certificates of Lawfulness have decided that planning
permission is not required for the non-commercial burial on private land of a limited number of
family, friends or those living in the house". These decisions have however not been tested in
the courts. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is more cautious, and accepts
merely that planning permisSion is not required for the burial of one or two people in back
gardens. Exceeding a 'limited' number of burials may require planning approval for use as a
cemetery or for 'mixed use' if farming is also to continue.
Safe grave excavation should also be considered as well as leaving sufficient depth of soil
(three feet) over the body. If it is intended to fence or mark the grave(s) with a memorial,
planning permission may be required. In effect, a single burial in a farm situation can proceed
without an approach to, or the approval of, any council or other official organisation.
Garden
The situation in a garden is complicated by the proximity of neighbours. They may oppose a
burial nearby and may be offended by the sight of a coffin or body. Although they may not pose
legal objections, it may not be conducive to good relationships. Otherwise, the aspects outlined
under farm burials above are broadly similar. The difficulty with garden burials is the reduction of
the property value and although figures of 20% are mentioned, this has yet to be proven but
many buyers would not even consider buying the property in the first place.
The body could be exhumed by any new property owner, and re-buried in a cemetery. This has
still to be tested legally but seems feasible. There are legal means (restrictive covenant) by
which you can ensure the grave remains untouched, but this involves costs and other
uncertainties. Details of the burial will not be officially recorded as they would be in a cemetery
but there is a statutory requirement for the landowner to maintain a register of burials. This can
be in the form of a sheet of paper or notebook, preferably with a plan to show the location.
These should be kept somewhere accessible in case the grave is disturbed by building or
excavation works at some stage in the future.
A certificate for burials issued by a Procurator Fiscal or Registrar will have to be obtained.
The detachable section of this is to be completed and returned to the Registrar by the person
arranging the burial. It is important to note that, as explained above, the details of the burial
including the burial location, are not recorded by the Registrar. The Registrar is appointed by
record population data and is not able to record the place of burial.
Depending upon the circumstances, you may find it difficult to obtain a funeral director to help
you with this type of burial. You can, of course, do the funeral without a funeral director.
Charter for the Bereaved Rights
It is your right to receive factual information on burial in private land from us and we are
encouraged to provide a green or natural burial option as an alternative to burial in private land.
Cemetery memorials
A memorial should be a lasting tribute and it is a solid statement that a person lived, is no longer
there but is still important. It is frequently the last gift to a loved one by the people left behind.
It is also often a focal point for grief and helpful in the grieving process. It is bound to be part
of its surrounding landscape and it may even become part of our social history.
What makes a memorial?
Generally, cemetery memorials need to be made of a material that will withstand the weather
and can take a lasting carved inscription that is suitable for shaping and ornamentation.
Time has shown that natural stone (stone, slate, marble, granite) has all of these qualities.
Choosing a memorial
Because a memorial is a lasting monument and tribute to a person's life, it is important to
choose it carefully. A hasty decision made whilst still in great distress, often results in later
regrets so it is sensible to wait and spend time on selecting a suitable design.
Selecting a memorial mason
You may wish to use a company recommended by friends and relatives or you may wish to look
around. Whatever you do, it is generally advisable to use one that specialises in memorial
masonry. They need to be able to understand stone and be able to give you reliable advice as
to whether the material you choose is suitable for the memorial you require and location.
Weather, pollution and surrounding vegetation can all have an affect on this.
It is also advisable to find a company that works to specific standards. This way, later problems
resulting in additional distress and unnecessary expense can be avoided.
What you may choose
We have regulations governing the kind of memorials, inscriptions and ornamentation we will
allow. Whilst local reputable memorial masons will be able to help, please check with us before
making your final choice.
There are special areas for the burial of cremated remains and although we can provide a
central memorial commemorating all those buried nearby, we can also arrange for headstones
or plaques be erected on individual plots.
Obtaining permission
Before a memorial can be erected, written permission must be obtained from us and your
memorial mason will help you with this.
Estimates
It is important to obtain a written estimate clearly documenting full details of the memorial you
are considering and all the costs involved. The estimate should include details of the memorial
including size, material and so on, the lettering, any ornamentation and finishes, the secure
installation of the memorial on a proper foundation, cemetery fees and VAT.
Lettering and ornamentation can be hand carved, sand blasted or machine cut and these along
with the different stones available all vary in price.
If you obtain estimates from more than one company, do check them carefully to ensure that
you are comparing like for like.
Placing an order
When you place the order you may be asked to pay a deposit with the balance of the agreed
price payable on completion. Before signing to confirm your order, it is extremely important to
check it thoroughly. Be particularly careful that the wording and spelling of the inscription as well
as any dates are shown correctly. All alterations should be confirmed in writing immediately.
(Note: unless you give written instructions to the contrary, the layout of the inscription may be
left to the letter carver).
The availability of the materials, the complexity of the design and the condition of the ground will
affect the time the memorial will take to complete. Your memorial mason will be able to confirm
this with you.
Responsibility for the memorial
It is important to understand that it is you who is responsible for the maintenance of your
memorial. If it should become dilapidated or unsafe we may arrange for it to be laid down or
removed completely. It is therefore wise to arrange for it to be regularly maintained and insured.
Many memorial masons offer maintenance schemes usually payable on an annual basis. Terms
will vary but will generally include regular cleaning and checking. Minor problems may be
corrected but more major issues will be brought to your attention.
Insuring your memorial
It is advisable to insure a memorial against accidental damage, vandalism and theft and to
make sure the cover is effective as soon as the stone is fixed in the cemetery. The cost can be
reasonable and is usually insignificant in comparison with the repair costs.
Code of cremation practice
(Due to the nature of this document some people may find its contents upsetting)
Conduct
The cremation of a human body is a highly emotional occasion for those taking part in the
service. This must never be forgotten by the staff of the crematorium, who must create and
maintain an atmosphere of reverence and respect throughout the entire proceedings.
Staff
The greatest care must be taken in the appointment of crematorium staff, any of whom may
detract from the atmosphere of reverence which we endeavour to create. All staff employed to
operate cremators must be suitably trained in the technical and ethical procedures and
certificated as specified in the Secretary of State's Guidance Notes of the Environmental
Protection Act 1990 and any subsequent legislation made thereunder.
After committal
•
A body will not be removed from the crematorium after the Service of Committal except
for a lawful purpose.
•
Subject to receiving the necessary Authority to Cremate, the coffin and its contents will
be put into the cremator exactly as they have been received on the catafalque. All
cremations will be completed within 24 hours of the receipt of the coffin at the
crematorium. A body not cremated on the same day as the coffin is received at the
crematorium may only be retained overnight on the written consent of the applicant for
cremation or in exceptional circumstances deemed necessary by the Cremation
Authority. All bodies retained at the crematorium will be accommodated in secure and
sanitary conditions within the building.
•
Once a coffin with its contents has been placed in the cremator, it will not be interfered
with until the process of cremation is completed. On completion, the whole of the
cremated remains will be collected and , following their reduction, will be disposed of in
accordance with the instructions received.
Correct identity
•
No coffin will be accepted at any crematorium unless it bears adequate particulars of
the identity of the deceased person. If a coffin is encased , the cover and the coffin
must display adequate identity of the deceased person.
•
Every care must be taken to ensure correct identification throughout the whole
proceedings from the moment the coffin is received on to the catafalque until the final
disposal of the cremated remains.
Separately cremated
Each coffin will be cremated separately.
Coffin covers
When a re-usable cover is used to encase a coffin, a signed authority must be given by the
applicant for the cremation authorising its use and consenting to its subsequent removal from
the crematorium.
Metal residues
Any metal found amongst the cremated remains will not be salvaged for any purpose but will be
disposed of in aggregate.
Cremated remains
The utmost care will be taken to ensure that the cremated remains, following their removal from
the cremator, will be kept separate and suitably identified. The cremated remains will be
reduced and placed in a separate container. If the cremated remains are to be disposed of in a
garden of remembrance, this will be conducted with reverence and respect.
Cremated remains to be conveyed by a carrier service will be placed in a suitably labelled
robust container and dealt with according to recommendations laid down by the Federation of
Burial and Cremation Authorities.
Cremators and ancillary equipment
Cremators and all ancillary equipment used at the crematorium will be kept in good repair and
maintained in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations and the requirements of the
current guidance notes issued under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and any
subsequent legislation.
Statutory regulations
All cremations will be carried out according to the provisions of the Cremation Acts and the
regulations made thereunder and any subsequent legislation.
Environmental issues
The environmental issues surrounding bereavement are becoming more important and the
inclusion of the cremation process in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 is the most recent
example of this.
Cremation
Cremation has progressed from coke fired through to gas and electric cremators over a period
of 100 years. Almost all cremators use gas, a finite fossil fuel which creates carbon when
burned. To keep this in perspective, the history of cremation needs to be considered.
Cremation was introduced to slow down the use of land used for burial. Using the land to
produce food was important, particularly following the last world war. The clean and clinical
impact of cremation was seen as 'modern', however there is increasing support for burial.
This may be in response to criticism of the 'factory line' process levelled at crematoria. Land is
also no longer at a premium for the production of food and is being 'set aside'. Further support
arises from the potential re-use of graves, which precludes the creation of sprawling, derelict,
Victorian cemeteries.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires that all cremators must comply with specified
emission requirements by 2010. As a result, a cremator replacement programme is taking
place, which has greatly increased the cost of cremation. The new cremators also require three
times more gas in order to meet the requirements of this Act. Any increased monitoring or
controlling of emissions will lead to a further rise in costs. The increasing emphasis on new
techniques such as Air Quality Management (AQM) are also likely to increase costs.
Burial
Burial is sometimes suggested as a more environmentally acceptable alternative to cremation,
as no air pollution is created. Such comments ignore the impact of herbicides and petrol
mowers used in cemeteries. In addition, the effects of interring chipboard and plastic coffins are
unknown. Finally, the pollutant effects of burial on water supplies is generally unresearched.
The benefits of the new woodland burial schemes appear to overcome many of these problems,
especially if bio-degradable coffins are used along with a reduction in embalming. Further
research into these issues is urgently needed.
The environmental and visual value of cemeteries to the local community has generally been
ignored. The older sections often date back to Victorian times and they usually contain the
oldest trees in the locality, providing habitats for mammals, wildflowers, insects, bats and birds.
Old stone memorials are often the only available habitat for lichens and mosses. Changing
mowing regimes, placing bird and bat boxes and replanting herbaceous borders with butterfly
plant species, are small yet effective parts of this process. These improvements to the older
sections can complement intensive high quality maintenance in current and more recently used
burial areas.
The value of nature in improving the grieving process is rarely identified and yet, is very
important. A singing bird, a beautiful tree, or a colourful bedding display, are all therapeutic and
symbolic of new life.
Further information
Other environmental issues surrounding bereavement have been identified but have not
received any specific attention. This is due to the sensitivity of the issue and, in some cases,
difficulty in identifying the actual owner of the item or materials involved for example, prostheses
belong to the NHS.
These issues include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The use of environmentally friendly chemicals to clean memorial stones, as an alternative
to caustic acids.
Composting more mown grass, leaves, flowers and other plant material removed from
the grounds.
A reduction in the use of herbicides/chemicals and peat used in grounds maintenance.
Retaining cut timber in habitat piles, rather than burning which releases the carbon
content.
Increasing tree planting in order to offset carbon dioxide emissions.
Reducing the use of moss and lichens in the construction of wreaths and other floral
tributes.
Re-using wreath frames and associated fittings (generally plastic), as an alternative to
their destruction.
Sourcing alternatives to teak, mahogany and other hardwoods, used in the
construction of garden seats, burial caskets, etc.
Returning the metal content of hip and other bone repair implements (prostheses) to
the NHS or ICCM, for recycling following removal from cremated remains.
Charter for the bereaved
Other issues have been identified which involve bereavement but are beyond the remit of the
Charter such as the environmental damage caused by the production of cut flowers and
quarrying of stone in foreign countries, which is then imported into the UK.
Environmental issues are also covered elsewhere in the Charter for the bereaved under
'Coffins and alternatives', 'Maintenance of grounds and grave digging' and in Appendix B,
'Information on embalming'.
The Charter dictates that you have a right to be made aware of all known environmental issues
relating to bereavement services. Information will be available through this Charter
and by directly contacting us.
Charter targets include
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
We should strive to improve environmental efficiency and understanding, relating to
bereavement. Due consideration should be given to the conservation of wildlife and
management according to sound ecological principles.
We should establish researched environmental impact data for all aspects of
bereavement.
We should co-ordinate our efforts in order to improve the aspects outlined under
"Further Information" above.
We should create strategies for enhancing the wildlife value of cemeteries and
crematoria grounds. This is particularly important in the creation of new cremation
and burial facilities.
We should introduce services that directly enhance the environment, as an integral part of
the bereavement experience. Woodland and wildflower graves are an example of such
initiatives.
We should contribute to a reduction in global warming by reducing their total energy
consumption.
Coffin construction guidance
If you want to buy a coffin from an independent supplier or make your own, you should read the
following information.
The coffin must be made of a suitable material which, when placed in a cremator is easily
combustible, does not emit smoke, give off toxic gas or leave any retardant smears or drips
after final combustion. No metal furniture or fittings should be used on a coffin for cremation.
In fact, no metal of any kind should be used unless it is necessary for safe construction and then
only metal of high ferrous content, for example ferrous screws. Cross pieces must not be
attached to the bottom of the coffin .
If the bottom of the coffin needs strengthened, wooden strips may be placed lengthways. The
coffin must not be painted, unless water based paint is used or varnished but may be covered
with a suitable cloth. Products containing any chloride or fluorides are prohibited, for example
poly vinyl chloride (PVC), melamine.
The exception is the use of polystyrene which is restricted to the coffin nameplate only and must
not exceed 90 grams in weight.
No coffin will be accepted unless it bears adequate particulars of the identity of the deceased
person and this should include name, age and date of death.
Coffin lining
The use of sawdust or cotton wool must be avoided. If circumstances require, suitable sealing
material may be used but no metal, rubber or PVC will be permitted and on no account must
pitch or a similar substance be used. No lead-lined coffins are permitted.
Coffin size
Where the external dimensions of a coffin are likely to exceed 206cm in length, 71cm in width
and 56cm in depth (6ft 9 in length, 2ft 4 in width and 1ft 10 in depth), the crematorium must be
given advance notice.
Embalming information
(Due to the nature of this document some people may find the contents upsetting)
Embalming is defined as the preservation of a body from decay, originally with spices and more
recently through arterial injection of embalming fluid. Historically, the process is identified with
the Egyptians, and the mummification of bodies.
In the past 30 years, the commercial promotion of embalming has greatly increased. There has
also been an increase in the use of unqualified embalmers over this period. Embalming is most
popular with commercial funeral directors in urban locations and least common in rural areas
with small funeral directing businesses. This is, in part, due to them lacking the facilities
necessary to embalm the body.
The current use of the word 'embalming' is misleading. The process is generally referred to as
cosmetic embalming and it is used to improve the visual appearance of the body, and to prevent
deterioration in the period leading up to the funeral. It has no long term preservative value and
cannot be compared with the Egyptian concept of preserving bodies.
The decision as to the merits of embalming must lie with the individual although a number of
issues should be considered.
Environmental issues
The embalming process involves removing the body fluids and replacing them with a solution of
formaldehyde, often containing a pink dye. The body fluids are treated and disposed of via the
public sewer. The embalming fluid normally consists of a 2% solution of formaldehyde, an
irritant, volatile acid. Around one pint of embalming fluid per stone weight of the body, plus one
pint, is used. As a result, one to two gallons of embalming fluid can be used and the effect of
this on soil organisms and air quality following burial or cremation needs further independent
research. Our ignorance of the consequences of using this chemical is a cause for concern. In
particular, the chemical is used by funeral directors and embalmers who carry no responsibility
for its impact on the cemetery, crematorium or community.
In some burial schemes, such as woodland burial, all chemicals may be prohibited. This
restriction may apply to embalming fluid as well as to horticultural chemicals. At this time it has
been suggested that a 'green' embalming fluid is available. No confirmation of this has been
obtained.
Is embalming necessary?
It is difficult to find support for routine embalming in the medical profession. There is no
evidence that a body poses a threat to the living, except where death was due to a notifiable
disease. No evidence exists of funeral directing, cemetery or crematorium staff obtaining an
infection from an unembalmed body. Embalmers suggest that the process thoroughly disinfects
the body and removes any risk, however slight, to any person who may come into contact with
the body. Conversely, it would be logical to assume that if a real health risk existed, embalming
would be mandatory. In fact, when a person dies of a notifiable disease, embalming is not
allowed.
The British Institute of Embalmers comment as follows: "The visual characteristics of a badly
damaged body may be improved by additional specialised treatment where time is available.
To be effective, it may be necessary to carry out the treatment over more than 24 hours.
Effective cosmetic treatment in such cases may also decrease the trauma of a sudden death,
and the benefit is almost always acknowledged by the bereaved".
It should be noted that where the person required a high intake of drugs during their terminal
illness, their body can deteriorate rapidly. This can be delayed by refrigeration.
Viewing the body
You need to consider carefully whether you will benefit from viewing the body at the funeral
director's premises. If you do not intend to view the body there is no need to choose embalming.
You may also have viewed the body immediately after death and have no wish to repeat this at
the funeral director's premises.
If you wish to view the body, you will have to pay a fee for using the funeral directors Chapel of
Rest (or Repose). Embalming may be recommended as a pre-requisite to viewing, the
implication being that an unembalmed body may cause distress. You may also be made to feel
it is expected that you view the body.
The quality of embalming
The British Institute of Embalmers (BIE) offers training and certification for members to maintain
an identified standard of embalming. Their members may be self employed and provide a
service to funeral directors, or are funeral directors or their staff. It takes a minimum of one hour
to correctly embalm a body and the charge for this is £60 to £100 (2008), which includes the
cost of chemicals and so on.
Some comments by the bereaved suggest that following embalming, the facial features of the
body have been altered and that the drawn appearance of the person before death, has been
reversed by the unnatural filling-out effect of the embalming fluid. It appears that these are the
results of poor quality embalming. If this happens, you should check with your funeral director
that the embalmer is qualified.
Do you have a choice?
You should reasonably expect to be informed about the embalming process and the advantages
it offers. It should only be undertaken where an effective result is judged to be achievable.
Unfortunately, this does not always happen. This is because many people accept the process
as cosmetic treatment and do not recognise it as embalming. Also, the process may be routinely
carried out as an inclusive part of the funeral package, without express permission. This
decision is important as the process will involve an additional cost of up to £100 (2008) on the
funeral account. In fact, the BIE have issued a Code of Ethics which clearly supports the need
to make a specific decision about embalming. If you are opposed to embalming, it may be
advisable to expressly forbid it.
Living will and life value statement
If you have specific wishes about what happens if you are unable to participate effectively in
decisions about your medical care, you can make a living will and life value statement.
Before considering such a document, you should speak to your doctor and solicitor for medical
and legal advice.
It is important that you also discuss your wishes with your family, health care team or anyone
who may have a say in what happens to you, if you are not in a position to do so.
Arranging your own funeral
When a loved one passes away unexpectedly, remaining family and friends often don't know
what their funeral wishes are even if a will exists.
If you have specific wishes about your own funeral, you should advise your next of kin or leave
specific instructions as part of your will. You should also make the executor of your will aware of
your wishes as they need to be in agreement.
You need to review your requirements carefully and consider including the following information,
if relevant:
Personal details
Full name and address
Date of birth
National insurance no
Bank / pension details
Allowances / benefits received
Next of kin or executor details
Do you wish to donate your body or organs?
Funeral details
If possible, is it your wish to die at home?
If so, do you want to have your body kept at home until the funeral?
If you should die in hospital or a home, do you want your body to be returned to your home prior
to the funeral?
If possible, would you prefer someone specific to layout your body?
Do you wish your body to be embalmed? (depending on the type of burial, this may not be
accepted)
What type of coffin would you like? Standard coffins are made of veneered chipboard, although
a range of other materials are available for example, pure wood, cardboard, wicker, home made
and so on
How would you like your body to be transported to the funeral, for example hearse, horse drawn
hearse etc?
Do you want a limousine following for the immediate family or they can use their own vehicles, if
preferred?
Would you prefer coffin bearers to be organised by the funeral director? If not, you should
consider providing details of who you would like to be involved.
Do you want to leave the choice of wreaths/flowers to mourners? If no, do you want family
flowers only/no flowers and/or donations
If you want your death and/or funeral announced in any publications, please provide details
Do you have any special requests for example, a letter or photo to be placed in the coffin,
special route for the hearse, jewellery left on your body and so on?
The funeral service
Do you require a funeral service before going to the crematorium or place of burial?
What religion / spiritual belief / philosophy will the service be based upon?
Do you have a minister, humanist or person in mind to take the service?
If you wish to guide those arranging the service, please provide details including whether the
service is open to all, specific music, text or poems to be used and so on
If you would like an address at the service about your life, please consider the text or provide
contact details who will devise this on your behalf
Is there any particular person(s) you wish to be invited to the funeral who might otherwise be
omitted? If so, please provide details.
Cremation
If a specific type of urn or casket is required, provide details along with where you would like
your cremated remains placed.
Burial
Please detail your preferred place of burial and include information relating to existing lairs and
location of deeds.
Memorial
Please provide details if you have a specific memorial in mind for example a grave memorial,
book of remembrance entry, charity donation and so on.
If you would like a memorial service such as a tree planted or ashes scattered, please provide
details.
Last wishes
Please detail any other last wishes you may have
Signatures
You may wish to sign and date to confirm that you are approving the contents and have this
witnessed by your next of kin, executor or solicitor.
As a guide, the following documents are generally required by the executor or your family marriage certificate; bank account details; credit cards; hire purchase agreements; mortgage
and home insurance; rent book; gas, electricity, water and telephone account details; life
insurance; car log book and insurance; share certificates; premium bonds; pension; doctor,
solicitor, accountant, stockbroker details; employment details including last employer and
occupation; full name and occupation of spouse/partner.
Lanarkshire funeral directors
Brodie's Funeral Directors
9 West Main Street
Harthill
ML76QD
Phone:01501 751214
G McAllister Funeral Directors
West Cross
Main street
Wishaw
ML2 7PJ
Phone: 01698 356588
Heritage Funeral Services
10 Montgomery Street
East Kilbride
G74 4JS
Phone: 01355 271717
McAllister & Considine
Cemetery Lodge
Mill Street
Rutherglen
G732AW
Phone: 0141 647 0203
Ian Brown Funeral Directors
83/101 Lanark Road
Carstairs
ML11 8QQ
Phone: 01555 870287
James Sherry Funeral Directors
104/106 Park Street
Motherwell
ML 1 1PF
Phone: 01698 264000
Joseph Potts Funeral Directors
1 North Road
Bellshill
ML4 1QU
Phone: 01698 746886
Joseph Potts Funeral Directors
15 Hamilton Street
Carluke
ML8 4HA
Phone: 01555 772099
Joseph Potts Funeral Directors
25 Glasgow Road
Blantyre
G72 OYS
Phone: 01698 822236
Munn & Son Funeral Directors
Fishescoates
Rutherglen
G735QZ
Phone: 01416341291
Andrew Ironside Funeral Services
2 High Street
Biggar
ML12 6BN
Phone: 01899 220602
Smiths Funeral Service
83 Stonefield road
Blantyre
G72 9SA
Phone: 01698 826141
T & A Fyfe Funeral Directors
Peacock Cross
Hamilton
ML39AY
Phone: 01698 283344
Cooperative Funeral Directors
58 Montgomery St
Larkhall
ML9 2AA
Phone: 01698 882760
Cooperative Funeral Directors
19 High Street
Carluke
ML84AL
Phone: 01555751118
Cooperative Funeral Directors
32 Hamilton Rd
Bellshill
ML41AQ
Phone: 01698747211
Cooperative Funeral Directors
178 Main Street
Cambuslang
G72 7EN
Phone: 0141 641 3495
Cooperative Funeral Directors
157 Windmillhill Street
Motherwell
ML 1 1RY
Phone: 01698 263628
Cooperative Funeral Directors
41 Queen Street
Rutherglen
G731JP
Phone: 0141 6471188
Cooperative Funeral Directors
54 Waterside Street
Strathaven
ML106AW
Phone: 01357 529292
Cooperative Funeral Directors
71 Hill Street
Wishaw
MI27AT
Phone: 01698 372378
Cooperative Funeral directors
Maxwell Drive
East Kilbride
G74 4HG
Phone: 01355 220637
Cooperative Funeral Directors
208 Quarry Street
Hamilton
ML36QW
Phone: 01698 286307
Dorricott Funeral Directors
10-12 London Street
Larkhall
ML91AG
Phone: 01698 882170
Dundas Fyfe & Sons Funeral Directors
31 Melville Drive
Motherwell
ML11RW
Phone: 01698 263115
G. McAllister Funeral Directors
West Cross
Main Street
Wishaw
ML27PJ
Phone: 01698 356588
Cooperative Funeral Directors
65 Abbeygreen
Lesmahagow
ML11 OEF
Phone: 01555 895222
Cooperative Funeral Directors
125 Graham Street
Airdrie
ML6 6DE
Phone: 01236 763310
Ian Turnball Funeral Directors
11 Church Road
Sanquar
DG4 6DF
Phone: 01659 50316
Cooperative Funeral Directors
235 Glasgow Road
Blantyre
G72 OYS
Phone: 01698 828335
Fosters Funeral Directors
292 Stonelaw Road
Burnside
Rutherglen
G73 3RP
Phone: 0141 647 8080
Peter McKenna Funeral Directors
236 Hamilton Road
Halfway
Cambuslang
G72 7TS
Phone: 0141 641 9066
Lanarkshire monumental sculptors
Bobby Main Sculptors
282 Main Street
Cambuslang
G72 7AG
Phone: 0141 641 0088
Priory Monuments
107 Hillview Drive
Coatshill
Blantyre
G72 9JE
Stewarton Memorials
147 Stewarton Street
Wishaw
ML2 8AG
Phone: 01698 357493
Domenico's Memorials
343 Main Street
Bellshill
ML41AW
Phone: 01698 746003
Thos McGowan & Son Ltd
Philipshill Cemetery
Westerfield Road
East Kilbride
G769HR
Phone: 0141 6444535
A & J Robertson
499 Windmillhill Street
Motherwell
ML 1 2UF
Phone: 01698 265197
James Mullen
197 St Leonards Street
Lanark
ML 11 7DU
Phone: 01555661814
Thomas McGuigan & Son Ltd
88 Jerviston Street
New Stevenson
ML 1 4JS
Phone: 01698 833924
J & G Mossman Ltd
284 High Street
Glasgow
G40QT
Phone: 0141 5522161
Priory Monuments
The Gateway
East Kilbride Cemetery
East Kilbride
G744PS
Phone: 01355 236771
Monkland Memorials
Viewfield Road
Coatbridge
ML55P
Phone: 01236 426966
Coffin Manufacturers
F C Hodge (MF) Ltd
New Drive
Off Weasenham Lane
Wisbech
Cambridgeshire
PE132RZ
Phone: 01945 587477
ECO-F Systems Ltd
Unit 3 C
Penbeagle Industrial Estate
St Ives
Corwall
TR62JH
Phone: 01736 798893
Vic Fearn & Co Ltd
Crabtree Mill
Hempshill Lane
Bulwell
Nottingham
ND68PF
Phone: 01159 771571
B Ablin & Sons Ltd
52 Culling Road
Rotherhithe
London
SE162TN
Phone: 0171 237 3637
Coffin Shops
Heaven on Earth
Kingsley House
Cotham Road Bristol
BS65TX
Phone: 0117 942 1836
Greenwood Undertakings
44 Swain Street
Watchet
Somerset
TA230AG
Phone: 01984 632285
Cardboard Coffins
Compakta Ltd
The Old White Cottage
Desford
Leicestershire
LE99GS
Phone: 01455 828642
Greenwood Undertakings
44 Swain Street
Watchet
Somerset
TA230AG
Phone: 01984 632285
Brighton Casket
Danisco Park Westminster
New Road
Sheerness
Kent
Phone: 01795 580051
The Natural Death Centre
The Natural Death Centre is a charity that helps friends and relatives to arrange funerals with or
without a funeral director. The Centre has launched an Association of Nature Reserve Burial
Grounds (for farmers, wildlife charities and local authorities) and also provides lectures,
workshops, counselling and publications, to help people confront their fears about death,
helping people to draw up living wills and so on.
The Centre also advises on the supply of bio-degradable coffins, artist designed coffins, wicker
coffins, burial shrouds and so on. The Centre is the best source of advice about existing and
proposed green burial sites. These are increasing rapidly (200 in December 2007) and it is
difficult to keep up to date.
Details of their 320 page Natural Death Handbook can also be obtained via the charity – it
offers 'best buys' in funerals, and much more information. Other books are available, of which
'Green Burial - the DIY guide to law and practice' is the best known. Please contact the centre
for current information on publications and leaflets. They will often send items for the cost of a
few postage stamps.
Contact the Natural Death Centre at:
12a Blackstock Mews
Blackstock Road
London N4 2BT
Telephone: 0871 2882098
Fax: 02073543831
Website: www.naturaldeath.org.uk
If you need this information in another language or format, please contact us to discuss how we
can best meet your needs. Phone 0303 123 1015 or email [email protected]