New regulations for Scotland’s funeral sector laid at Holyrood

New regulations, which aim to ensure minimum standards are maintained in the funeral sector, have been laid at Holyrood.

Ministers believe inspections, which will be brought in if the regulations are approved by MSPs will promote the highest standards of care and will improve public confidence.

The Burial and Cremation (Inspection) (Scotland) Regulations 2025 will aim to ensure minimum standards are maintained to safeguard the dignity of the deceased, while also promoting compassionate and professional care for those who have been bereaved.

But the Scottish Government has said that enforcement notices, with deadlines for action, could be issued on those firms which fail to comply.

Public health minister Jenni Minto stressed that the “vast majority of funeral directors and the wider industry provide dignified and professional services”, adding that the reforms proposed “will benefit the sector by ensuring it is not unfairly impacted by the failings of a few”.

Ms Minto stated: “These reforms have received widespread support within the industry and we will appoint additional inspectors to work with the sector to ensure best practice.

“Publishing inspection reports will lead to greater transparency and can help improve standards.”

Adding that the death of a loved one can often be “emotionally overwhelming” she said: “Having confidence in the care and dignity given to our loved ones, along with the compassionate and professional treatment of those bereaved, can go some way to alleviating the sorrow of bereavement.”