A union boss representing workers at Aberdeen Crematorium has claimed the families affected by the baby ashes scandal “have never left their thoughts”.
Inspectors revealed this week that there were many good practices now in place at the crematorium, but that some current staff felt themselves to be “the victims” of the scandal.
But last night, GMB chief Mike Middleton said while he thought the staff may see themselves as victims, he “doubts” they said they were “the victims”.
Those quoted in the report included workers who were at the crematorium at Hazlehead when babies were regularly cremated along with unrelated adults, before their ashes were scattered without parents’ permission.
Robert Swanson, of Crematoria Scotland, carried out the inspection last week at the request of council chiefs in the wake of an investigation led by Dame Elish Angiolini, which uncovered the “abhorrent” practices.
The report by Mr Swanson, published on Thursday night, was generally positive.
It noted many areas of good practice in many areas including the storage and disposal of ashes and acting in accordance with the wishes of the bereaved.
However, it noted however that certain staff members felt themselves to be “the victims” in the case.
The report adds: “It is the opinion of the inspector that if public confidence in the Cremation Authority and the crematorium is to be restored, then the ‘air needs to be cleared’ with staff at the earliest opportunity.”
Mr Middleton said: “This has been an extremely hard and stressful period for the staff but I know that the families affected have never left their thoughts.
“They may be victims but I really don’t think they said they were the victims.”
Council leader Jenny Laing said: “The conclusion, in respect of current working practice within the report, found no evidence of a continuation of the unethical and abhorrent practices as described in the report of the National Cremation Investigation
by Dame Elish Angiolini, dated June 17 2016.
“We at Aberdeen City Council are aware of legislation changes to crematoria and we will work with the inspector to ensure that at all times we comply with the change to legislation.”
