28/02/2026
Resomation (Water Cremation) – What You Need to Know
You may have seen recent news about resomation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, being described as the biggest change to funerals in over 100 years.
The Scottish Government has now approved regulations that will allow hydrolysis to become a third option alongside burial and cremation in Scotland.
Hydrolysis uses warm water and an alkaline solution to gently accelerate the natural process of decomposition. Like cremation, it leaves behind ashes that families can keep, scatter or bury. It’s often considered a more environmentally friendly alternative.
However, it’s important to clarify:
Although the process has been approved, there are currently no facilities or specialist equipment in place anywhere in Scotland to carry it out.
It will take time to secure planning permission, install the specialist equipment and construct a suitable facility. This means resomation is not yet available and may still be some time away.
We’ll continue to keep families informed as developments progress.
If you would like to speak to us about current funeral options or planning ahead, our team is always here to help.