Get help arranging a funeral
We can arrange a national assistance funeral if someone has died and there is no one able or willing to arrange or pay for their funeral.
These funerals are provided under the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016.
Before you contact us
Before contacting us, check whether financial help is available to you.
You may be eligible for support from the Scottish Government this can help pay for funeral costs if you live in Scotland. It can be paid to you or directly to the funeral director.
If you are not eligible for financial support and cannot arrange the funeral, we may be able to help.
When we will arrange a funeral
We may arrange a national assistance funeral if the deceased person:
- has no known relatives
- has relatives or friends who are unable to arrange or pay for the funeral
Where possible, we will recover funeral costs from the deceased person’s estate.
When we cannot arrange a funeral
We cannot arrange a national assistance funeral if either:
- the funeral arrangements have already been made
- the funeral has already taken place
If a funeral director has already been instructed (for example, to collect the deceased), the person who gave the instruction is responsible for any costs incurred.
What we will do
We will arrange a simple, dignified funeral using our contracted funeral director.
This usually includes:
- cremation at Inverness Crematorium
- a short religious or non-religious service, if requested
- attendance by family and friends, if they wish
If there is evidence that the deceased person would have preferred a burial (for example, for religious or cultural reasons), we will try to respect those wishes.
What we will do with the remains
Ashes can be collected by family or close friends.
If ashes are not collected, they will be respectfully scattered in the Garden of Remembrance at Inverness Crematorium.
How funeral costs are covered
We will try to recover funeral costs from the deceased person’s estate. This may include:
- money held in bank accounts
- savings or investments
- valuable items or paperwork found at the property
If there are not enough funds in the estate:
- we will cover the remaining costs
- family and friends will not be asked to contribute
Funeral expenses must be paid from the estate before most other debts, except secured debts such as a mortgage.
How to apply
Contact our Environmental Health Team if you have any questions or would like to apply.
- Email: envhealth@highland.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01349 886606 - 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday