Council boss in charge of Aberdeen’s scandal-hit crematorium resigns

The council boss in charge of Aberdeen’s scandal-hit crematorium has resigned following a period of ill health.

Pete Leonard, the authority’s infrastructure director, was overseeing the Hazlehead crematorium when it emerged babies had been cremated alongside unrelated adults.

A probe by Dame Elish Angiolini revealed ashes of infants and adults were routinely mixed at the Aberdeen facility with the ashes not returned to grieving parents.

Mr Leonard was heavily criticised in her report over his comments.

Angela Scott, the council’s chief executive, said: “On behalf of the council I would like to thank Pete for over 12 years of service during which time the council has faced a number of significant challenges and as a member of the corporate management team he has helped steer the organisation through those challenges. I wish Pete well for the future.”