FAQ's: Cremation

• Can cremated remains be interred and their position marked with a memorial? The Garden of Remembrance attached to the crematorium does not provide for the erection of permanent memorials. Cremated remains interred in the Garden of Remembrance are not normally containe…
• Can cremated remains be retained by the family pending final disposal? The applicant for cremation may collect and retain the cremated remains if required. Cremated remains can be retained at the crematorium for 7 days only.
• Can I have any type of service I wish at the crematorium? Yes, you can have any type of service you wish or none at all. One hour is usually allowed for each funeral at the crematorium. If required, additional time can be arranged if a longer service…
• Can items of jewellery be left on a body for cremation? It is preferable that all items of jewellery be removed from the body before the coffin is conveyed to the crematorium. The Funeral Director should ascertain your wishes in respect of this mat…
• Can more information be obtained concerning cremation and, if required, can a crematorium be visited by members of the public? The matters referred to may be discussed in more details with the Burial Ground Officer who also acts as the Registrar of the crematorium. The Registrar will be pleased to answer any further q…
• Do any religions forbid cremation? Yes, the Orthodox Jewish and Muslim religions do not approve of cremation.
• Do relatives need to decide before the funeral about the disposal of cremated remains? The Funeral Director will discuss with the relatives the alternative arrangements which may be adopted for the disposal of cremated remains. It is likely that a Form of Authority will require …
• Does it cost more to be cremated than buried? No, burial is more expensive than cremation, especially if a new grave has to be bought.
• How do I know I will receive the correct cremated remains? Each coffin is identified by a name plate. An identity card follows the coffin and remains throughout the cremation process.
• How soon after the service does the cremation take place? In Inverclyde, all cremations are carried out on the same day as the cremation service.  However,  the law does allow for a cremation to be carried over to the day after the service.…
• Is more than one coffin cremated at the same time? The Code of Cremation Practice allows for a single cremation only. Therefore, the cremator is sized to accommodate only one cremation at a time.
• Is the coffin cremated with the body? Yes, the coffin is placed in the cremator just as it is received at the crematorium. All coffins, including fittings and furnishings must be made from combustible material.
• What are the options for disposal of cremated remains? All crematoria provide a Garden of Remembrance where cremated remains can be dispersed. Cremated remains can be removed from the crematorium in a suitable container for disposal elsewhere. Thi…
• What are the procedures at the crematorium on the day of the funeral? The cortège arrives at the crematorium and the coffin will be brought into the chapel followed by the mourners. The Crematorium Attendants will be on hand to direct people to their seat…
• What arrangements can be made to ensure that cremation is the selected method of disposal following death? Clear instructions in writing should be given to the person who will be responsible for making the funeral arrangements. Such instructions are not binding in law and it will therefore be neces…
• What happens to cremated remains after cremation? At the conclusion of a cremation the cremated remains are removed in their entirety and conveyed to a treatment area in a special container.
• What happens to cremated remains strewn on the ground? The cremated remains, having assumed a granular form, are normally strewn in the Garden of Remembrance. Chemical reactions resulting from exposure to the elements quickly break down the remain…
• What is the Garden of Remembrance and what facilities are provided there? The Garden of Remembrance can be found adjacent to the crematorium. This area is set aside for the dispersal of cremated remains. As this area is used continuously for this purpose, it will no…
• What percentage of people choose cremation? Approximately 70% choose cremation in Great Britain.
• What quantity of remains will there be following cremation? The cremation of an adult will normally result in cremated remains weighing between 2 and 4 kg. In the case of an infant, it may not be possible to guarantee that any remains will be collectab…
• Where are cremations carried out in Inverclyde? Cremations are carried out at: Greenock Crematorium 1 South Street Greenock PA16 8UG Phone (01475) 715658 Fax (01475) 730345