Ashes Handling Policy

Ashes Handling Policy

Memory Within Memorial Jewellery

At Memory Within, we understand that the cremation ashes entrusted to us are irreplaceable. They represent someone deeply loved, and we treat them with the highest level of care, dignity, and responsibility at every stage of our work.

Our ashes handling procedures align with the principles set out in Scottish Government guidance on the care, handling and dignity of cremated remains, and reflect the standards expected within the Scottish funeral profession.

This policy explains clearly how ashes are received, stored, used, and returned when creating memorial jewellery with Memory Within.

Relevant guidance

Memory Within’s approach is informed by:

Scottish Government – Guidance on the Management of Cremation Ashes
(Issued following the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016; updated guidance published 2019)

While Memory Within is not a funeral director or cremation authority, our procedures reflect the same core principles outlined in this guidance, including dignity, respect, traceability, security, and transparency.

Our commitment

We commit to:

  • Treating all ashes with dignity, care, and sensitivity

  • Handling ashes for one family at a time

  • Using only the minimum amount required

  • Maintaining clear identification and documentation

  • Storing ashes securely at all times

  • Communicating openly and honestly throughout the process

Families are always welcome to ask questions at any stage.

How ashes are supplied

Ashes are usually supplied directly by the family or via a funeral director, in a small, clearly labelled container.

We only ever require a very small amount of ash, typically a pinch.
Families are never asked to send full cremated remains.

Clear written guidance is provided on how to package and send ashes safely and respectfully.

Receipt, identification, and paperwork

On arrival at Memory Within:

  • Ashes are logged immediately

  • Containers are clearly labelled with client and order details

  • Ashes are matched with their accompanying paperwork

  • Each family’s ashes are kept separate at all times

Ashes are never mixed, shared, or handled alongside another family’s materials.

Secure storage

In line with Scottish Government guidance and funeral sector best practice, ashes held by Memory Within are stored securely at all times.

Ashes are kept:

  • In a secure, locked metal cupboard

  • Within individual compartments

  • Clearly labelled

  • Stored alongside their accompanying documentation

Access to stored ashes is restricted. Ashes are never left unattended, unsecured, or unlabelled.

One-family-at-a-time handling

Memory Within operates a strict one-family-at-a-time handling process, reflecting the principles of traceability and individual care expected within Scottish funeral practice.

This means:

  • Only one family’s ashes are prepared and worked with at any given time

  • Work surfaces are cleared and cleaned between families

  • Tools and equipment are cleaned before and after each use

This approach minimises risk and ensures absolute clarity throughout.

Preparation of ashes

Before being incorporated into memorial jewellery, ashes are:

  • Carefully examined

  • Gently prepared by hand

  • Reduced only as much as required for secure setting

Only the smallest necessary amount is used. All remaining ashes are returned to secure storage immediately, clearly labelled.

How ashes are set into jewellery

At Memory Within, ashes are:

  • Permanently encased within a solid memorial stone

  • Never placed into hollow chambers or temporary compartments

  • Fully sealed as part of the jewellery-making process

This method ensures ashes are protected, secure, and preserved long-term, in line with both professional best practice and family expectations.

Storage during production

During production:

  • Any ashes not in active use remain securely stored

  • Finished jewellery is kept safely until completion

  • Identification and traceability are maintained throughout

Ashes are handled only within controlled conditions.

Return or respectful handling of remaining ashes

Once your jewellery is complete:

  • Any unused ashes are returned to you or

  • Retained or dispersed respectfully, in accordance with your wishes

Your preference is discussed in advance.
No ashes are ever disposed of without explicit consent.

If an issue were ever to arise

While issues are extremely rare, Memory Within believes in openness and accountability.

In the unlikely event of a concern:

  • You would be informed promptly

  • Communication would be clear, calm, and compassionate

  • Appropriate steps would be taken in line with our responsibilities and guiding principles

Alignment with funeral professional standards

Memory Within works closely with independent funeral directors, crematoria, and veterinary professionals across Scotland and the wider UK.

Our ashes handling procedures reflect the same core values found within:

  • Scottish Government guidance on cremated remains

  • Funeral director Codes of Practice

  • Industry expectations around dignity, care, and traceability

 

This policy is available to families and professional partners at any time.

Questions or reassurance

We understand how important this process is. If you would like clarification or reassurance about any part of our ashes handling procedures, please contact us before placing an order.

There is no such thing as an unnecessary question when it comes to something this personal.

 

Memory Within Memorial Jewellery
Jewellery To Remember