A grieving Moray family has launched a petition to press for mortuary improvements across Scotland.
Maryan Whyte was shocked at the condition of the building she was taken with to identify her husband Frank, who was killed in a boating accident in Findhorn Bay in May.
The Forres widow has now taken her campaign to the Scottish Parliament to highlight the distress her family and others have been through.
After meeting ministers and MSPs in Edinburgh the family is now confident steps are being taken to improve the dilapidated buildings.
Last month, Mrs Whyte and her two daughters, Sharon and Natalie, spoke out about the conditions at Spynie Mortuary, near Elgin, and demanded action be taken across the country.
They were horrified when they arrived to identify 69-year-old Mr Whyte, and were taken in through a garage door. They claimed it failed to provide basic comforts, such as a room for loved ones to sit and say their goodbyes.
Since they spoke out, the family has heard others have had similar distressing moments.
Mrs Whyte said: “It’s still early days for us grieving as a family but we feel strongly there should be dignity and compassion at the end of life.
“We’re beginning to build up a picture across Scotland. Some mortuaries are in really poor condition – they are poor quality buildings with a lack of procedures and a lack of funding.”
Calls are being made by the family for all mortuaries to have a dedicated room for viewing as well as a room for mourners to prepare themselves for the sight of loved ones.
Since the Whyte family’s experience NHS Grampian has arranged for all identifications to be carried out at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin. Already more than 250 people have signed the online petition for a “fit for purpose” mortuary in Moray.
Mrs Whyte added: “There needs to be that space for peace and quiet for families who are going through the process, which is very difficult.”
After meeting the family Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell agreed to investigate the state of the buildings across the country.
She said: “Clearly what happened was terrible and I offered my condolences to the Whyte family when I met them and thanked them for raising this issue with me during what is a very difficult time for the family.
“We discussed the issues at length – including the potential need for a national report.
“Mortuary service provision is not straightforward as it involves the NHS, local authorities and police. Therefore, the proposal for a national report requires careful consideration.”