Potential designs for the new Mortonhall memorials have been unveiled by Edinburgh Council.

Following consultations with parents, it has been decided that two memorials will be proposed, with one located at Mortonhall Crematorium, while the other location is yet to be decided.

The designs, which are included in the council's 'Mortonhall Action Plan: Update report', are due to be discussed by members later this week.

The Mortonhall scandal involved families whose children's remains were disposed of without their knowledge. Reports of the practice first emerged at Mortonhall Crematorium, where more than 250 families were believed to have been affected. Staff at the crematorium are alleged to have buried baby ashes in secret, with the parents being told there were no ashes left when young babies were cremated. It is thought the practice at the crematorium is thought to have been in place since it opened in 1967, until 2011 when it changed management.


The Council has been working with SANDS Lothian, SiMBA, MACC and affected parents since the summer of 2014 on suitable ideas for a memorial. The parents were consulted over potential sites, and many chose Mortonhall as the preferred option. However, some strongly opposed the idea, saying they did not wish to return to Mortonhall. As a result, it was agreed that a second memorial would be created.

Parents will decide the final designs to be chosen, with the aim of having the memorials completed later this year.

(JP/MH)