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Containers found at funeral parlour in missing ashes probe

BBC A Milne Funeral DirectorsBBC
Ashes have found at A Milne have been handed to Argyll and Bute council

Eight containers of ashes have been recovered from a funeral parlour at the centre of a police investigation into missing ashes.

The containers, found by Police Scotland at A Milne Funeral Directors in Springburn, Glasgow, have been given to Argyll and Bute Council.

The council said families had been contacted and the remains were being held at Cardross Crematorium until they can be handed over.

Police Scotland is investigating the firm which previously ran offices in Dumbarton and Glasgow.

Jackie Barton
Ms Barton's mother's ashes were found by Police Scotland during their investigation

The Dumbarton branch closed in 2023, while the Springburn branch was still registered as operating in March.

An investigation was launched after several families reported concerns over their ashes and allegations of financial misconduct were made.

Jackie Barnes from Dumbarton lost her mother, Margaret Rennie, in November 2021 and scattered the ashes she was given after the service.

But Ms Barnes told BBC Scotland News she received a letter in May 2022 stating that her mother's ashes had been discovered by Police Scotland.

She said: "It’s like grieving my mum all over again, it is as if I’ve just lost her again."

Det Insp Gerry Shovlin of 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 inquiry that will need to be followed up.