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Andrew Purves, COO of William Purves Funeral Directors, has been part of a working group advising the Scottish government on the introduction of water cremation.
As reported in the Sunday Times yesterday, Scotland could be the first part of the UK to introduce this method, also known as hydrolysis, following recent changes in legislation.
Hydrolysis combines water and heat with an alkaline solution and applies them to the body in a cremation-like chamber which speeds up the natural processes that a body ordinarily goes through.
The process takes around three hours and, like cremation, you are left with the bones of the individual, which are then transformed into a white powder. Families can keep, scatter or have this powder buried at a cemetery, just as they could with traditional ashes.
Andrew, featured in this article, discusses why the introduction of hydrolysis may be welcomed both within the sector and by future clients:
“One of the advantages for me is that it gives people another choice and option. It also uses less energy than cremation, so in that sense, is more environmentally friendly. Some people would also view it as a gentler process than being buried or cremated, as it is effectively carried out with water. It is really about people’s personal choice”.
This development marks the most significant change in this area of the funeral sector for over a century. As a result, Andrew suggests that it may take some time before the general public is comfortable with this change:
“A question remains over whether the public will accept it, because it is something different and new, and I think there is caution naturally because of this.”
However, despite the acceptance barrier, Andrew indicates that William Purves plans to offer hydrolysis as another option for families when it is available:
“It is something which our company, alongside others, would look to become involved with in the future.”
Without a facility currently open in Scotland, and with official introduction subject to finalisation in parliament, it is likely to be a while yet before funerals involving hydrolysis emerge.
Nevertheless, William Purves will be ready to offer it when available to give our families more choice when choosing the best way to lay their loved ones to rest.
Subscribers to The Times can read the full article here.
Looking to explore the options for your or a loved one’s funeral? It’s never too early to speak to us, and we’re available 24/7.
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