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New Funeral Director Code of Practice for Scottish Funerals

- 28/02/25

From 1st March, a new Funeral Director Code of Practice will apply to funerals in Scotland.

All funeral directors who provide funeral services in Scotland must follow the Code, whether they’re based in Scotland or further afield.

The Code has been introduced to reassure families that:

  • Every person in Scotland will have the dignified and respectful funeral they deserve.
  • Standards of care will be met by whichever funeral provider a family chooses.
  • Information about the funeral services and the costs is clear and transparent.

Care for the deceased under the Code

The introduction of the Code ensures that best practice for care of the deceased is followed throughout their funeral arrangements.

  • Families are clearly and knowledgeably told about the services available and the process to expect.
  • The identity of the deceased is meticulously confirmed throughout and the family is kept informed about where their loved one is resting.
  • Equipment used e.g. for transportation or mortuary care is clean, well-maintained and specifically designed for the purpose.
  • The mortuary or facility where the deceased is cared for is secure, well-equipped and regularly inspected. Records are kept of all care given to the deceased and their dignity is assured.
  • Following a cremation, each individual's ashes are separately and safely stored in a clean, dry, secure and well-maintained location with detailed records kept.
  • Costs are clear throughout so the family understand exactly what they’re paying for and there are no hidden costs or unexpected extras.

Distinct Cremations’ quality of care

At Distinct Cremations, our extremely high standards of care are fully compliant with the Code.

We serve families throughout mainland Great Britain where we own and operate 42 crematoriums as part of the Westerleigh Group.

Our four Scottish crematoriums are Borders Crematorium near Galashiels, Bishopbriggs Crematorium just north of Glasgow, Stirlingshire Crematorium outside Stirling and West Lothian Crematorium to the west of Edinburgh.

As part of a group with over 30 years of caring for the deceased, we are experienced professionals with the utmost respect for those entrusted into our care.

What’s included in a Distinct Cremations funeral

Our unattended direct cremation services and simple low-cost funeral services with a farewell at the crematorium are available to all those on the Scottish mainland.

We operate the highest standards of care in everything we do and always prioritise dignity of the deceased.

All of our caring funerals include transport, mortuary care and cremation.

Families will receive updates when their loved one is brought into our care and be informed of where they are resting.

A dedicated funeral arranger will be there for the family to offer support and answer questions at every stage.

Following the cremation, the family will receive an itemised final account. This document includes details of all of the services provided for the care of their loved one and is a record of the money they paid to instruct us in the funeral arrangements.

Distinct Cremations’ view on the new regulations

Interim Managing Director of Distinct Cremations, Hugh Longland, said of the Code:

“At Distinct Cremations, we believe that every person deserves the highest quality of care and utmost dignity throughout their funeral arrangements.

"That's why we welcome these new regulations for Scottish funerals which offer bereaved families the peace of mind that their loved ones are being professionally cared for with compassion and respect.”

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Whether you're planning a funeral for a loved one or considering what you'd like for your own send-off, you can speak to our caring and knowledgeable team for more information about our services. Give us a call on 01543 211997.

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Westerleigh Group including Distinct Cremations carried out over 76,000 cremations in 2025.

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Distinct Cremations office: Oak Tree Court, Brookfield Drive, Cannock, WS11 0JN

‘Distinct Cremations’ is a trading style of Distinct Funeral Plans Limited (DPFL) and Distinct Cremations Limited (DCL). DFPL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 965289. DCL provides ‘at need’ funeral and cremation services and is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Both companies are registered in England. DFPL No. 13366327 and DCL No. 13366310. Registered office: Head Office Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh, Bristol, BS37 8QP. Part of the Westerleigh Group.

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