Aberdeen City Council is re-opening a probe into the baby ashes scandal following an allegation that adults and babies were cremated together.
The local authority’s chief executive designate Angela Scott has said that findings from the investigation into practices at Hazlehead Crematorium will be “reconsidered”.
The internal inquiry found in July last year that the remains of children aged five or under had been scattered but auditors were unable to check if families had been consulted in 40 cases dating back to 1984 as records were not kept.
At the time, a spokesman for the authority said no evidence of wrongdoing had been found.
Aberdeen City Council had been implicated in the fallout from a scandal at Mortonhall Crematorium in Edinburgh, where it emerged that ashes of babies were disposed of without families’ knowledge.
In a statement released today, the chief executive said: “I have received a serious allegation regarding practices at Hazlehead Crematorium. 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.”
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 and 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.”
Last night, solicitors representing families in the north-east last night said the new allegations were “absolutely appalling”.
Patrick Maguire, from Glasgow-based Thompsons, said: “The families I represent are almost broken by this news.
“Any suggestion that infants and adults have been cremated together must be rigorously investigated.”
Aberdeen City Council’s chief executive designate Angela Scott issued the following statement yesterday.
“As you know, the working practices of crematoria across Scotland have been under scrutiny recently.
“Throughout this time, Aberdeen City Council has endeavoured to be open and transparent about its own procedures at Hazlehead Crematorium.
“For this reason, I wanted to let you know that I have received a serious allegation regarding practices at Hazlehead Crematorium. 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.
“I fully understand that public interest in this matter will be very high. Out of respect for the families affected however, I would ask that the media and politicians give me the time required to undertake a thorough investigation. 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.
“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.
“We will of course offer every support available to bereaved families.
“I would ask anyone with any concerns to contact us directly by calling 01224 522255.”