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The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) has welcomed the approval of regulations to legalise alkaline hydrolysis, known as water cremation, throughout Scotland from 2 March 2026.
The trade body, which represents more than 1,000 funeral homes, stated the move responds to a growing demand for environmentally friendly funeral practices.
The Hydrolysis (Scotland) Regulations 2026 will allow the use of water, heat and an alkali solution as an alternative to burial. This process is reported to have a lower carbon footprint than traditional cremation and produces no harmful emissions.
While the legislation takes effect next month, it will take time for facilities to become operational across the country. Independent funeral directors are currently preparing to offer guidance to families regarding the new technology and its environmental benefits.
The shift in funeral choices is considered the most significant in more than a 20th Century. Members of the association will begin explaining the process to those seeking farewells that align with their personal values.
Declan Maguire, SAIF’s Scotland president, said: “We fully support the introduction of these regulations. Independent funeral directors exist to serve the unique needs of their communities, and we know that families are increasingly seeking farewells that align with their environmental values.
“Water cremation offers a low-carbon alternative to traditional methods. By establishing a robust regulatory framework, the Scottish government has ensured that this new technology will operate to the highest standards of dignity and care – principles that are central to everything our members do.”
