04/03/2026
For information and news interest only (we are not in Scotland and do not offer it!)…
Water cremation, also called hydrolysis or alkaline hydrolysis, has officially arrived in the UK for the first time.
The process has been approved in Scotland, making it the first part of the UK to offer this more environmentally conscious alternative to traditional burial or cremation.
During hydrolysis, the body is placed in a chamber after being wrapped in a biodegradable covering such as silk, wool, or another natural material. It is then immersed in heated water combined with chemicals, which accelerates the natural breakdown process.
As with conventional cremation, the remaining material can be returned to the family.
The option became legally available from 2 March after Scottish Parliament approved new regulations brought forward by the Scottish Government.
Scotland’s Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said decisions about what happens after death are highly personal and often shaped by beliefs, values, and family wishes.
She explained that hydrolysis provides a greener option while also expanding the choices available to families, marking the first new method introduced in more than 120 years. The process will also be regulated in the same way as existing burial and cremation practices to ensure dignity, care, and respect for the deceased.
A public consultation held in 2023 found strong support for the move, with 84% of respondents backing the introduction of hydrolysis.
The technique is already used in several countries, including Canada, Ireland, and the United States.
The first water cremations in Scotland are expected to take place later this summer once the necessary approvals are finalised.
