Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie has written to the First Minister, John Swinney, to demand the implementation of tougher regulation of the funeral sector, after meeting with dozens of people allegedly defrauded by a crooked undertaker.
The MSP met with grieving relatives – who were left fearing that the ashes of their loved ones had been misplaced, and others who lost thousands of pounds – in Dumbarton last night.
It comes as the politician looks to set up a support group for those affected by rogue undertaker Ashleigh Milne, who previously traded from premises on the town’s High Street.
Three people have been arrested in the wake of Police Scotland’s Operation Koine probe into the conduct of the rogue firm, which also had a branch in Balornock Road, Glasgow.
The company has now ceased trading, leaving dozens of people who had pre-paid funeral plans, facing thousands of pounds in losses.
Unclaimed remains were also discovered by officers probing the company.
Some customers also found out they had been given incorrect ashes, thinking they had the remains of loved ones.
MSP Jackie has written to the Scottish Government on behalf of those affected, demanding the urgent implementation of legislation, which has been on the statute books since 2016. A meeting has also been requested with the First Minister by the grieving families.
Customers of the firm have also been left out of pocket after the Financial Compensation Authority said A Milne was never authorised to sell funeral plans.
Jackie Baillie said: “I believe that there are many, many more people affected by this heartbreaking scandal.
“Some people have lost money, and many others are not sure if the ashes they were given were those of their loved ones. All of them have been deceived at a time when they were vulnerable.
“What this comes down to is a lack of regulation of the industry in the first place, which left people open to the actions of crooked businesses.
“The injustice experienced by my constituents and many others must be addressed and I am calling on the First Minister to accelerate the regulations and meet with the families affected.”
Liz Ruine, spokesperson for the support group, added: “Many families have been affected by the actions of those running A Milne, Funeral Directors.
“Many have lost money and others are struggling to come to terms with the emotional toll, given that they may never know whether they have their loved ones’ ashes. Others have been robbed of being able to deliver the last wishes of their relatives.
“The actions of those running A Milne Funeral Directors are despicable.”
