As we advised you last week the council negotiated an agreement with the firm of solicitors who are representing some of the affected families whose babies were cremated at Mortonhall Crematorium in the last 30 years, but who did not receive any ashes afterwards.
The City of Edinburgh Council approved proposals for a settlement scheme at the meeting of the full council earlier today.
129 parents raised legal claims in relation to the past practices at Mortonhall Crematorium.
The scheme reached with Thompsons Solicitors, who are representing those parents, was put to councillors at the council meeting earlier. There was a deputation by representatives of Mortonhall Ashes Action Group presented by Willie Reid who lost his daughter, Donna.
The settlement provides for payments of £1,000 and £4,000 depending on circumstances, together with payment of legal expenses.
Sue Bruce, Chief Executive of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The agreement reached today allows us to settle the claims from parents represented by Thompsons, and means they do not need to pursue their cases through the courts.
“The issues that have emerged in relation to practices at Mortonhall have understandably been distressing for affected families. I want to reiterate my apology on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council and give reassurance that we are taking forward all of the recommendations made by Dame Elish Angiolini in her report to ensure nothing like this ever happens again.
“We have been working closely with parent representatives on the Mortonhall Multi-Agency Working Group which is progressing well. Designs have now been produced for potential memorials which are available to view on the Council website.”
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