A motion praising the Whyte family’s campaign for a review of mortuaries in Scotland has received cross-party support at Holyrood.
Moray MSP, Richard Lochhead, hosted a member’s debate at the Scottish Parliament “commending” the family’s fight for change after suffering personal tragedy.
Frank Whyte was killed in a freak boating accident while cruising off Findhorn Bay earlier this year.
The 69-year-old’s distraught family – widow Maryan and daughters Sharon and Natalie – were taken to Spynie Mortuary, near Elgin, to identify him, and were horrified to discover the conditions at the council-run amenity.
They have subsequently launched a campaign for reform of mortuaries, which was praised by MSPs.
Mr Lochhead said: I am sure we can all agree that what the Whyte family were put through is wholly unacceptable.
“Mrs Whyte tells me that, after reading an unrelated news article about the run-down state of the former hospital, and knowing what she had been put through, she decided to act.
“The family decided to speak out. As soon as they conveyed to the authorities in Moray their experience, the NHS, Moray Council and Police Scotland all agreed this was unacceptable.
“NHS Grampian apologised and, as a result, Spynie is no longer used for family viewing.”
Mr Lochhead branded the management of mortuaries “opaque” and urged the government to look at simplifying who was responsible for running them.
MSPs from other parties backed Mr Lochhead’s motion, including Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross, who said he “wholeheartedly” agreed with the Moray member’s comments.
Mr Whyte grew up in Findhorn and was well-known for his passion for sailing and his woodwork skills.
He died on May 21, when his 20ft Drascombe Lugger capsized after the weather suddenly worsened.
The family is urging anyone who has experienced a similar situation to e-mail them via mortuaryformoray@gmail.com to help them build up their campaign.