This section contains useful links to information and guidance on the new death certification system that commenced on 13th May 2015.

Added 6th August 2015 – Statutory Guidance

Added11th May 2015 – Death certification guidance.
The question and answer section will be of particular use on and after 13th May.

Added 8th May 2015 – Death Certification Guidance booklet produced by the NAFD (Also useful for authorities in all other parts of the UK that receive a body from Scotland).

Added 30th April 2015 – Death Certification Flowchart reproduced with the kind permission of the NAFD.

Health Improvement Scotland Link to website where information can be found.

Scottish Government Link to appropriate page.

Added 23rd April 2015 – New Form A for Scotland for use on and after 13th May 2015. Members will have received an E newsletter giving further details.

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016

Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016 Explanatory Notes

The Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 2019

The Burial and Cremation (Pregnancy Loss Prescribed Information and Forms) (Scotland) Regulations 2018

Previous Legislation

Burial Grounds (Scotland) Act 1855

Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 1935

Cremation (Scotland) Regulations 1952

Cremation (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1967

Cremation (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1985

Cremation (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2003

Cremation Regulations

Information and guidance available here

Local Authorities’ Cemeteries Order 1977

Form 18 – What to do if the Funeral Director forgets to bring the disposal certificate at the time of burial.

Shallow Graves Policy – What to do (lawfully) when a shallow grave is encountered.

Bringing Burial Law into the 21st Century – MoJ Publication

Exhumation Application Form and Guidance(Ministry of Justice)