Ex-funeral directors under Police Scotland investigation over 'mismanagement of human remains'

A former funeral firm is under investigation by Police Scotland over the alleged mismanagement of human remains and funds.

The probe comes amid reports that one family have allegedly been waiting three years for A. Milne Independent Funeral Directors to deliver their loved one's ashes to them.

Police Scotland said enquiries into the company - which had branches in Glasgow and Dumbarton in West Dunbartonshire - are at an "early stage".

Forensic officers were pictured at the Glasgow branch in Balornock Road on Friday.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "An investigation is ongoing into to the conduct of a former funeral company that had branches in Glasgow and Dumbarton with regard to the storage/return of cremated remains and allegations of financial misconduct.

"Enquiries are at an early stage."

The company's website is currently inaccessible with a "critical error" message displayed on screen.

The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) has confirmed the business is subject to a disciplinary process and a hearing is due to be held after the trade body received a number of complaints.

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A spokesperson for NAFD said: "We can confirm that the NAFD has received a number of complaints about A. Milne, which have been scrutinised by our committee for professional standards.

"The firm appears to have stopped corresponding with us, however they have been formally notified that they will be considered by the NAFD disciplinary committee at a meeting in May, where the ultimate sanction we have at our disposal is removal from membership.

"Under the terms of reference of the committee, we do not publicly disclose the details of complaints made.

"As a trade association, we have no statutory powers and regulate purely by consent, therefore expulsion from membership is the most severe penalty at our disposal."

A. Milne Independent Funeral Directors was contacted for comment.