What to Do with Ashes in Scotland

Find natural burial grounds, ashes scattering and memorial jewellery across Scotland, from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Aberdeenshire and the Ca

Wild Meadow Eco Cemetery

Wild Meadow sits beside Kinghorn Loch in Fife and is the only community-owned natural burial ground in the county. It takes both full burial in a biodegradable coffin or shroud and interment of ashes in a biodegradable container, so it works for families who have already had a cremation. It is run by the Kinghorn Community Land Association, a Scottish Read more…

Clovery Woods of Rest

Clovery Woods of Rest was the first privately owned green burial ground in Scotland, in mixed woodland near Fyvie in Aberdeenshire. The trees went in back in 2002 and the wood keeps growing, because a tree is planted with each burial. Coffins must be environmentally friendly and there are no headstones anywhere on the site. The whole thing is designed Read more…

CairnBrae Natural Burial Ground

CairnBrae is a natural burial ground in the Angus countryside outside Dundee, set up as a place for families to hold an unhurried, reflective goodbye rather than a slot in a schedule. There is no fixed format. Every burial is arranged around what the family wants, and all faiths and beliefs are welcome, as is none. They have won the Read more…

Binning Memorial Wood

Binning Memorial Wood is a green burial ground set within historic Binning Wood in East Lothian, about twenty miles east of Edinburgh. The setting is the draw here. Mature beech trees form a high canopy that people often describe as cathedral-like, and the wood itself has been standing long before the burial ground existed, so it does not have the Read more…

Heather Bells

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Bespoke memorial jewellery, thoughtfully created by hand. We specialise in creating elegant memorial jewellery that transforms cherished memories into lasting keepsakes. Each piece begins with a carefully sourced jewellery setting, which is then individually hand-finished using high-quality resin and a small amount of your loved one’s ashes. By combining skilled craftsmanship with compassion and care, we create unique pieces that Read more…

Clan Davidson Designs

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Clan Davidson Designs is an independent jewellery studio in Auchinleck, specialising in bespoke, memorial and deeply personal jewellery. At the heart of the business is a custom design service, creating exclusive pieces around each client’s individual ideas, story and style—from completely original silver, gold and platinum commissions to beautifully personalised keepsakes. Ashes, hair, fur, breastmilk, fabric and other meaningful inclusions Read more…

Hundy Mundy Natural Burial Ground

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Hundy Mundy Natural Burial Ground is a peaceful natural burial ground set within the historic Mellerstain Estate in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Nestled beneath the striking 18th-century Hundy Mundy folly, the burial ground enjoys breathtaking views across the Eildon Hills and Cheviot Hills, creating a truly unique and tranquil place of remembrance. Run by Leedam Natural Burials, we Read more…

Delliefure Cairngorms Natural Burial Ground

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Delliefure Natural Burial Ground is a peaceful meadow set within the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, overlooking the River Spey and surrounded by silver birch woodland. Rich in wildlife, the landscape is home to species including osprey, otters and red squirrels, creating a beautiful and tranquil setting where families can remember their loved ones in nature. Run by Leedam Natural Burials, Read more…

Cothiemuir Hill Natural Burial Ground

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Cothiemuir Hill Natural Burial Ground is a peaceful natural burial ground set within the historic Forbes Estate in the heart of Aberdeenshire’s beautiful Donside countryside. Surrounded by native woodland and wildflowers, with far-reaching views towards Bennachie and ancient Neolithic standing stones nearby, it offers a truly unique and tranquil place for remembrance. Run by Leedam Natural Burials, we offer natural Read more…

Craufurdland Woods

The oldest operating private natural woodland burial ground in Scotland, set on the Craufurdland Estate. Founded in 2002 by Peter and Caroline Craufurd after they went looking for an eco-friendly option for their own funerals, now run by their sons Alex and Simon. Ashes interment and burial are both offered, marked with an indigenous tree rather than a headstone, planted Read more…

Scotland has some of the most beautiful natural burial grounds in the UK, in ancient woodland, highland meadows and quiet estates from the Borders to Aberdeenshire. Scattering ashes on a favourite hill, loch or stretch of coast is a long tradition here, and families can also choose from a growing number of Scottish memorial jewellers who work by post.

Natural burial in the Lothians, Fife and the Borders

Binning Memorial Wood in East Lothian, about twenty miles east of Edinburgh, sits beneath mature beech trees that form a high, cathedral-like canopy. Wild Meadow Eco Cemetery beside Kinghorn Loch is the only community-owned natural burial ground in Fife. Hundy Mundy Natural Burial Ground near Kelso lies below an 18th century folly on the Mellerstain Estate, with views to the Eildon and Cheviot Hills.

Natural burial in the West, North East and Highlands

Craufurdland Woods near Fenwick in Ayrshire is the oldest private natural woodland burial ground in Scotland, with an indigenous tree planted for each burial. CairnBrae near Dundee is a twice-winning People's Award site. In Aberdeenshire, Clovery Woods of Rest near Fyvie was Scotland's first privately owned green burial ground, and Cothiemuir Hill at Keig looks towards Bennachie. Delliefure near Grantown-on-Spey sits in the Cairngorms National Park above the River Spey. See all natural burial grounds in Scotland.

Scattering ashes on the Forth

Forth Tours runs ashes scattering ceremonies from Port Edgar Marina in South Queensferry, against the backdrop of the Forth Bridges. See all sea scattering in Scotland.

Memorial jewellery and online memorials

Whispers in Time is a mother and daughter business near Glasgow setting ashes in durable resin. Clan Davidson Designs in Auchinleck makes bespoke memorial pieces in silver, gold and platinum, and Heather Bells on the Isle of Lewis hand-finishes memorial jewellery with ashes. Digital Gravestones in Edinburgh offers QR code plaques and online memorial pages. See all memorial jewellery in Scotland.

Is there a natural burial ground near Edinburgh or Glasgow?

Yes. Binning Memorial Wood is about twenty miles east of Edinburgh, and Craufurdland Woods near Kilmarnock is within easy reach of Glasgow.

Can I scatter ashes on a Scottish hill or Munro?

Yes, with the landowner's permission. Mountain organisations ask people to avoid scattering on popular summits, because repeated scattering changes the soil and plants there, so choose a quiet spot a little lower down. Read our guide to where you can't scatter ashes in the UK for more.

Can I scatter ashes in a loch or at sea?

Yes, scattering ashes at sea doesn't need a licence. For lochs, ask the owner first and avoid any used for drinking water. Our guide to scattering ashes at sea covers what to expect.

Can memorial jewellery be made by post in Scotland?

Yes. Most Scottish memorial jewellers send a kit for a small amount of ashes or hair and post the finished piece back, wherever you live.